Election Day Begins, Results May Take Longer
American voters are heading to the polls, but the final results of the 2024 presidential election may not be known immediately. Due to the close race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, media outlets may be cautious before projecting a winner. The first polls close at 18:00 EST, with the final polls ending by early Wednesday.
Swing States Could Hold the Key
The election is expected to hinge on results from seven swing states, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Many of these states have close polling margins, increasing the likelihood of recounts and delays. For example, Pennsylvania requires a recount if the margin is less than half a percentage point.
Legal Challenges and Early Voting Complications
Over 100 pre-election lawsuits, mostly from Republicans contesting voter eligibility, could impact the timing of official results. Early vote tallies may not be fully indicative of the final outcome, as they are counted after in-person ballots in many states, leading to potential shifts as the count progresses.
Historical Comparisons on Result Timing
Recent elections have shown varied result times. In 2020, the winner wasn’t declared until four days after Election Day due to close margins in key states. In contrast, previous elections like 2016 and 2012 saw winners announced on the night itself, although the 2000 election famously took five weeks to resolve.
Swing State Reporting Times
Key swing states have varied reporting schedules. For instance, Georgia expects 75% of its votes counted within two hours of polls closing, while Michigan and Pennsylvania may need at least a day to report definitive results. In some states, like Nevada, mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day can take several days to process.
What If There’s a Challenge?
If the result is disputed, the electoral college process will come into play, with state votes being officially counted by Congress on January 6. Reforms have clarified the Vice President’s role, limiting their power to reject certified results. In cases of extremely close or contested results, challenges could continue, potentially delaying the final confirmation.
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