What to Expect on Election Day 2024: When Will Results Start Rolling In?

Election Day 2024 has arrived, bringing an end to a highly anticipated and intense presidential campaign season. Millions of Americans have cast their votes, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the race between the major contenders. While results for all states may not be finalized on Election Day itself, there are certain things we can expect based on past elections. For instance, early results from states with clear leads may begin to roll in shortly after polls close, similar to what we saw in the 2020 election. Here’s a guide to what we can expect as Election Day unfolds, including poll closing times and when we might see some of the first results.

When Do Polls Close?

Poll closing times vary by state, but several states have early closings, which means they could be among the first to start reporting results. According to information from 270toWin, here are some of the states with early poll closing times:

• Indiana: Polls close at 6 p.m. ET in most of the state.

• Kentucky: Most of Kentucky’s polls close at 6 p.m. ET.

• Florida: The majority of polls close at 7 p.m. ET.

• Vermont: Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.

• Virginia: Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.

• South Carolina: Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.

• Georgia: Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.

It's important to note that each state may have slightly different polling hours in specific regions. Checking with local election offices is always wise if there’s any question about poll closing times in your area.

When to Expect the First Results

Historically, some states are called minutes after the polls close, especially if the lead is clear. In the 2020 election, states like Kentucky and Vermont had early results that were called almost immediately. Early results this year might follow a similar pattern, so we could start seeing projections around 7 p.m. ET if races in certain states have decisive leads.

However, it’s crucial to remember that states with close races or large numbers of mail-in ballots might take longer to report their results. Some states will not release any results until all polling locations have closed, and the Associated Press (AP) generally holds off on calling races until all polls have officially closed in that state.

Polling Hours in New York and Other States

For New Yorkers, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET on Election Day, November 5. Voters in New York have a broad window to cast their ballots, allowing those who can’t make it during typical work hours ample time to vote.

When Were Past Elections Called?

Each election has its own timeline when it comes to determining a winner. Here’s a quick look back at recent elections:

• 2020: In one of the most highly watched elections, it took four days after Election Day for Joe Biden to be declared the winner. The wait was largely due to the high volume of mail-in ballots, as many Americans voted by mail due to the pandemic.

• 2016: In contrast, Donald Trump was declared the winner early on the morning after Election Day. Although the race was intense, the results were relatively straightforward to call in comparison to 2020.

• 2000: The 2000 election was the most prolonged call in U.S. history. It took 35 days and a Supreme Court decision to declare George W. Bush the winner. The delay stemmed from the close vote count in Florida and the controversial recount process.

What Might Affect the Speed of Reporting Results?

The time it takes to determine winners often depends on factors like how close the race is and the voting methods used. States that rely heavily on mail-in ballots may take longer to count, as these ballots often have additional verification steps. Some states allow mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be received and counted in the days following the election, which can also slow down the final tally.

With the increase in early and absentee voting in recent years, many states are already well-prepared to handle these votes promptly. However, high-turnout areas and states with close races may still take longer to count.

What If We Don’t Know the Winner on Election Night?

While it’s exciting to anticipate results, it’s entirely possible that the final outcome might not be known by the end of Election Night, especially in a tight race. A delayed outcome is not unusual and does not necessarily indicate any issues with the voting process. Officials are responsible for ensuring that every vote is counted, and this can take time.

The Growing Popularity of Early Voting

Early voting has grown in popularity in recent years, with many Americans choosing to vote in the days or weeks leading up to Election Day. This shift has impacted how and when results come in, as some early votes are tallied ahead of time. However, not all states process these votes early. In states where early votes are counted first, we may see these results as soon as polls close, while other states might take longer to report early and absentee votes.

Wrapping Up Election Day

As Election Day 2024 unfolds, stay tuned for updates from trusted news sources and official election results as they become available. Patience is key, as each state works to ensure a fair and accurate vote count. No matter the result, Election Day marks a significant moment in the democratic process, with Americans from coast to coast participating in choosing their leadership for the next four years.

This year, as always, transparency, patience, and vigilance will guide us through the process, whether results are clear by the end of Election Day or take longer to confirm.