When Will We Know the US Election Results?
The polls have closed in the US presidential election, including all seven key battleground states. Some results have been projected, with Republican Donald Trump winning two swing states and indications of how other states might lean. However, it may still take time to determine whether Trump or Democrat Kamala Harris has won the presidency. Results are announced state-by-state, and the BBC provides live updates.
What’s Happening in the Swing States?
The final outcome depends on seven swing states, which experts believed could go either way. Early voting had high turnout, both in-person and by mail, breaking records in some areas. Here’s what we know so far:
- Trump is projected to win:
- North Carolina
- Georgia, which Democrat Joe Biden narrowly won in 2020
- Trump is leading in:
- Wisconsin, though the result may take some time
- The race is very close in:
- Pennsylvania: Final results could be delayed.
- Michigan: A final count is expected by Wednesday.
- Arizona and Nevada: Both may take days to complete.
When Can We Expect a Result?
Polls closed nationwide by 1:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday. In past elections, the winner was sometimes declared on election night or early the next morning. However, the close race in many states this year could slow down media projections, and narrow margins might trigger recounts.
For example, Pennsylvania requires a recount if there’s a less than 0.5% difference in votes, as seen in 2020 when Biden won by just over 1.1%. Meanwhile, states with more predictable voting patterns are reporting projected results sooner.
Legal Challenges and Voting Process
Over 100 lawsuits were filed before the election, mostly from Republicans challenging voter eligibility and ballot procedures. Vote counting takes time, as ballots must be verified against voter records, and each ballot is checked for issues like tears or stains.
While some states, like Michigan, have improved counting speed, there are fewer mail-in ballots this election compared to 2020, which could make results clearer sooner. In a tight race, early counts may not reflect the final outcome.
Past Election Timelines
- 2020: Joe Biden’s win was declared four days post-election after Pennsylvania’s result clarified.
- 2016: Trump was announced as the winner just hours after polls closed, by 3:00 a.m. EST.
- 2012: Obama’s re-election was projected before midnight on election day.
- 2000: The Bush-Gore election took five weeks to resolve, ultimately ending with a Supreme Court decision.
Understanding the Electoral College
After all valid votes are counted, the election outcome depends on securing a majority in the Electoral College. Each state has a set number of electoral votes, and generally, the winner of the state’s popular vote takes all the electoral votes. These votes are confirmed on January 6 by the new Congress.
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Challenges to the 2024 Results?
Following the 2020 election, some Republicans attempted unsuccessfully to overturn Trump’s loss. Since then, reforms have clarified that the vice-president cannot reject electoral votes. However, efforts to delay certification of 2024 votes could arise locally or at the state level. Trump and some Republican leaders have also avoided committing to accepting the results if Trump loses.
Could There Be a Tie?
If both candidates end up with 269 electoral votes, the House of Representatives would choose the president, while the Senate would select the vice-president. However, this situation hasn’t occurred in over 200 years.
When is Inauguration Day?
The president-elect will take office on January 20, 2025, marking the 60th presidential inauguration. The new president will be sworn in at the US Capitol, pledging to uphold the Constitution, followed by the inaugural address.
