The US presidential election is set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with Donald Trump running against Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden withdrew following a challenging debate. Voters will also elect members of Congress, with seats open in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Swing States to Watch:
Several battleground states will play a crucial role in the election, including Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes), Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Nevada, all narrowly won by Biden in 2020. Florida and Ohio, once swing states, now lean Republican, though outcomes remain unpredictable.
Polling Times:
Polls begin closing at 6:00 PM EST (10:00 PM GMT) on Election Day, with the last polls closing at 1:00 AM EST (5:00 AM GMT). Key swing states with significant electoral votes—such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—will determine the outcome.
- 7:00 PM EST: Polls close in Georgia and six other states.
- 7:30 PM EST: North Carolina polls close.
- 8:00 PM EST: Polls close in Pennsylvania, D.C., and several states.
- 9:00 PM EST: Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, and 12 other states finish voting.
- 10:00 PM EST: Nevada and two other states close their polls.
Vote Counting Process:
Votes cast on Election Day are counted first, followed by early, mail-in, and absentee ballots. Local officials conduct a canvass, verifying the count and checking for discrepancies. Electronic scanners are primarily used, though manual counts may be necessary in specific cases. Different time zones mean counting will start on the East Coast while polls are still open in states like Alaska and Hawaii.
When to Expect Results
Though election results may not be finalized for days, media outlets often project winners earlier. In past elections:
- 2020: Biden’s win was confirmed four days post-election.
- 2016: Trump’s victory was called around 3:00 AM EST the following day.
- 2000: The Bush-Gore result took until December 12 to resolve, due to a Supreme Court decision on the Florida recount.
Expected Reporting Times for Key States:
- Georgia: Reports early, with results released by 8:00 PM EST.
- North Carolina: Progressively updates through the evening.
- Arizona: Begins reporting at 10:00 PM EST.
- Wisconsin: Final counts expected by Wednesday.
Potential Delays and Challenges in Election Results
Close vote counts in swing states could delay results. Pennsylvania, for example, mandates an automatic recount if the margin is below 0.5%. Pre-election lawsuits on voter eligibility and polling disruptions could also contribute to delays.
In case of contested results, votes are first certified locally, then statewide, with the governor validating the electors for the Electoral College vote on December 17. Congress will convene on January 6, 2025, to officially count electoral votes.
Electoral reforms post-2020 now limit lawmakers’ ability to dispute certified results, ensuring that the vice president cannot reject electoral votes unilaterally.
Inauguration Day
The presidential inauguration will occur on January 20, 2025, at the US Capitol, marking the nation’s 60th inaugural ceremony. The president-elect will take the oath of office and deliver an inaugural address.
Election Day Operations
Are Banks Open on Election Day?
Most major banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, will maintain regular hours on November 5. ATMs and online banking will be fully operational.
Are Schools Open on Election Day?
In several states, schools will be closed. In New Jersey, Election Day is a state holiday, with many schools serving as polling sites. New York City, Illinois, and select districts in San Antonio will also close to accommodate voting. Parents should confirm closures with local districts.
Is the Post Office Open?
Post offices will remain open on Election Day, and mail delivery will proceed as scheduled.
Are Shipping Services Operational?
UPS and FedEx will continue regular operations, providing both delivery and pickup services.
