When Will We Know Who Has Won the US Election? A Complete Guide to the 2024 Presidential Election Results Timeline

American voters head to the polls on November 5, 2024, to decide the nation’s next president. While results are sometimes declared within hours after polls close, the close race this year between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump may mean a longer wait for an official winner.
This article will walk through key milestones in the U.S. election process, estimated timelines for results, and factors that could delay the final call on who will occupy the White House in 2025.
When Is the 2024 Presidential Election Result Expected?
The first polls will close at 6:00 p.m. EST (11:00 p.m. GMT) on Tuesday, with the last closing at 1:00 a.m. EST (6:00 a.m. GMT) early on Wednesday. In past elections, networks have projected the winner late on election night or early the following morning, but this year’s tight race could cause media outlets to delay declaring a winner until more votes are counted.
Why This Election May Take Longer to Call
This election season has seen record-breaking turnout and a close race in critical swing states. Delays in vote-counting may be caused by a combination of factors, including close results in key states, recount requirements, legal challenges, and high voter turnout.
- Close Margins in Key Swing States: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, and Arizona are among the swing states expected to play a decisive role in the final outcome. A narrow margin could trigger recounts and delay results.
- Recount Laws: For example, Pennsylvania mandates a recount if the margin between candidates is within half a percentage point. This rule could lead to further delays, especially in this closely watched state, which has 19 electoral votes at stake.
- Legal Challenges: Over 100 pre-election lawsuits have already been filed, many focused on voter eligibility and ballot verification. Disputes over specific rules or eligibility could impact final tallies, especially if legal proceedings extend into the post-election period.
- Election-Related Disruptions: Any instances of voting-related disruption could also delay the result.
See also: US Elections 2024: Kamala Harris Warns of the Dangers of a Trump Presidency
Swing States to Watch and Expected Result Timelines
Several battleground states will have a significant influence on the election’s outcome. Here’s when results from key states may start coming in:
- Georgia: Polls close at 7:00 p.m. EST. The state’s election officials expect about 75% of votes to be counted within two hours after polls close.
- North Carolina: Polls close at 7:30 p.m. EST, with preliminary results expected by the end of the night.
- Pennsylvania: Polls close at 8:00 p.m. EST, but analysts estimate at least 24 hours before a winner is projected, given the extensive verification required for mail-in ballots.
- Michigan: Voting concludes at 9:00 p.m. EST, though a result is unlikely until Wednesday evening due to the volume of votes and verification process.
- Wisconsin: Smaller counties may report results soon after the 9:00 p.m. EST poll closure, but full results could take until Wednesday.
- Arizona: Initial results could be available by 10:00 p.m. EST, though some counties may need longer due to processing late-arriving mail ballots.
- Nevada: With mail-in ballots accepted if postmarked by Election Day and arriving by November 9, Nevada’s count may extend several days.
How Does the Vote-Counting Process Work?
In most states, in-person ballots are counted first, followed by mail-in and absentee ballots. Ballots are scanned by electronic counting machines, though manual counting or recounts may be needed in close races. The process involves strict oversight by local officials and partisan observers to ensure accuracy and transparency.
- Canvassing and Verification: Each ballot goes through a verification process, which includes matching barcodes, signatures, and cross-checking against the voter registry. Damaged or inconsistent ballots are carefully examined to determine their validity.
- Transparency and Security: Observers from each party monitor the process to ensure that election protocols are followed.
What Happens If the Presidential Election Results Are Challenged?
Once every vote is counted, the focus shifts to the Electoral College. Each state’s electors cast votes based on the popular vote outcome in that state. However, disputes in close races can lead to delays.
The Role of the Electoral College
The electoral process culminates in a formal meeting of the Electoral College on December 17. Congress meets on January 6 to officially count the electoral votes and certify the winner.
If disputes arise at the state level, efforts to challenge the results could potentially delay certification. However, recent reforms have clarified that the vice president has no authority to reject electoral votes, which may help avoid any procedural delays seen in the 2020 election.
Has the US Election Result Ever Been Delayed Before?
While most presidential races are settled within a day, there have been notable exceptions:
- 2020: Joe Biden’s victory was announced four days post-election due to delays in Pennsylvania.
- 2000: The race between George W. Bush and Al Gore took five weeks to resolve due to recounts and a Supreme Court decision regarding Florida’s vote.
- 2016 and 2012: In contrast, results were declared on election night or shortly thereafter, reflecting more decisive victories.
Possible Outcome Scenarios: What if There’s a Tie?
In rare cases, candidates could each receive 269 electoral votes, resulting in a tie. If this happens, the House of Representatives elects the president, while the Senate selects the vice president. However, this scenario has not occurred in over two centuries and remains highly unlikely.
Key Dates After Election Day
- December 17, 2024: Electors formally cast their votes in the Electoral College.
- January 6, 2025: The newly elected Congress meets to certify the Electoral College votes.
- January 20, 2025: The presidential inauguration takes place, marking the official start of the new president’s term.
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Conclusion: When Will We Know Who Won the 2024 US Presidential Election?
While initial results may come in on election night, a final call may take longer, especially if recounts or legal challenges arise. Key swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia are likely to experience close contests and may be pivotal in deciding the winner. By understanding the timeline and possible hurdles, voters can remain informed and prepared for the potential wait.
Stay tuned for updates, as news outlets and election authorities will share results in real-time throughout Election Day and the days following.