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The U.S. presidential election is one of the most anticipated events in global politics. This year, the contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has captured the attention of millions. As voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the outcome could mark a historic moment for the country, with both candidates having a chance to make significant history.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the election process, key dates, and the factors that could impact the final US Election Results 2024 of this closely contested election.
US Election 2024: Date & Time
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
- Polling Hours: Voting will begin at 7:00 am to 9:00 am local time, depending on the state. For voters in India, this will translate to 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm IST (Indian Standard Time).
- Polls Close: Polling stations will close between 6:00 pm and midnight Eastern Time. Results will begin trickling in soon after, with the first major updates expected from 4:30 am IST on November 6.
- Exit Polls: Exit polls, which help gauge voter sentiment, will be released at 5:00 pm EST, or 2:30 am IST on November 6.
American Election Results: Who’s Running?
- Kamala Harris (Democrat): The current Vice President is aiming to make history as the first female president of the United States. She was first elected as Vice President in 2020 and has been running on a platform focused on equality, climate change, and economic recovery.
- Donald Trump (Republican): The former president is attempting a rare comeback after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden. Despite facing legal challenges and criminal charges, Trump remains a dominant figure in the Republican Party, promoting a platform focused on border security, tax cuts, and economic growth.
How U.S. Presidential Elections Are Won: The Electoral Vote System
o win the presidency, a candidate needs at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes. Each state’s electoral votes are determined by its population size, with large states like California having 55 votes, and smaller ones like Wyoming having just 3.
In 2020, the election was highly competitive in several swing states, and the 2024 race is expected to be just as close. Polls show a tight contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with only a few percentage points separating them in key battleground states.
The Role of Early Voting in American Election Results
Early voting has become a significant feature of recent elections. Many voters have already cast their ballots in advance, either through mail-in voting or by voting early at polling stations. In 2024, around 65% of the total votes in North Carolina were cast early during the 2020 election. These votes are often counted first, helping to provide an early indication of the trends in key states.
The Importance of Swing States
In any U.S. election, swing states play a critical role in deciding the outcome. These are states where both candidates have strong support, but neither has a clear majority. For the 2024 election, the key swing states to watch include:
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- Georgia
- Arizona
- Nevada
- North Carolina
Together, these states have 95 electoral votes, which could be enough to determine the winner of the election. Both candidates are focusing their efforts on these battleground states, hoping to secure the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
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When Will the US Election Results 2024 Be Known?
Votes will be counted starting early on November 6, but final results may take several days due to the time needed to count absentee and mail-in ballots submitted before Election Day.
In 2020, it took several days for all the votes to be counted, and the race wasn’t called in some states until weeks after Election Day. While most results will come in quickly, it is possible that some states may not be able to declare a winner until all ballots are verified.
When Have Previous US Presidential Election Results 2024 Been Announced?
In the 2020 election, Joe Biden was not declared the winner until four days after Election Day, as the results in Pennsylvania were still being counted.
In contrast, the 2016 election results were announced just a few hours after polls closed, with Donald Trump winning around 3:00 AM EST. Similarly, in 2012, Barack Obama’s victory was confirmed before midnight.
However, the 2000 election took five weeks to settle. After a recount in Florida, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in to declare George W. Bush the winner.
US Presidential Election 2024: Legal Challenges & Controversies
This year’s election is unique because both candidates have faced significant controversies. Kamala Harris is aiming to make history as the first female president, but her rise to the top spot has been overshadowed by President Joe Biden’s unexpected decision to step down, creating a late shift in the race.
On the other side, Donald Trump is seeking a dramatic comeback despite ongoing legal challenges, including charges related to his role in the January 6th Capitol riot and other investigations. Trump’s ability to navigate these legal obstacles while maintaining strong support among Republican voters will be key in determining the final outcome.
What to Expect After US Election Day 2024
- Initial Results: As polling stations close, US Election Results 2024 will begin to come in. States like Georgia and Arizona may release results quickly, while others like Pennsylvania and Michigan could take longer to count all the votes.
- Recounts and Legal Challenges: If the vote margin is particularly close, automatic recounts may occur in some states, or one of the candidates may request a recount if the margin meets specific criteria.
- Final Declaration: It could take days, or even weeks, before the US Election Results 2024 are finalized. In 2020, the election wasn’t officially called until November 7, four days after polling closed. This time, depending on the closeness of the race, the timeline could be similar.
How to Follow the US Presidential Election 2024
The U.S. presidential election will be covered extensively by news networks around the world. You can stay updated on the results through:
- Official sources, including the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and state election offices
- Major news papers, channels, websites
- Social media platforms like Twitter, Intagram Facebook
- Election Tracking Sites
The 2024 U.S. presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent history, with Kamala Harris aiming for a historic win and Donald Trump seeking a political comeback. The outcome will have major implications for the U.S. and the world, with swing states and key battlegrounds playing a critical role in determining who secures the 270 electoral votes needed to win. While a final result may not come on Election Night, the path to the outcome will be an eventful one.
