What to expect for Election Day 2024 and when results will begin to roll in
Election Day is here, marking the conclusion of a suspenseful presidential race.
While we might not know the winner between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris by day’s end, results from various states could begin coming in shortly after polls close, particularly in places where the races are not tightly contested.
For instance, during the 2020 election, Kentucky and Vermont were among the first to have their results announced just minutes after the polls closed.
If this year’s election mirrors that trend, we could start seeing results from states as early as 7 p.m. ET.
Here’s what else you should know regarding the timing of election results.
What time do the first polls close?
Several states might begin to report their results shortly after their polling places shut down. According to 270toWin, these are some of the earliest states to close:
- Indiana – Polls close at 6 p.m. ET for most of the state
- Kentucky – Polls close at 6 p.m. ET for most of the state
- Florida – Polls close at 7 p.m. ET for the majority of the state
- 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
Be aware that local polling places may have varying hours, so it’s essential to verify with your local election officials regarding polling closure times in your area.
When will states begin announcing election results?
The Associated Press will wait until all polls in a state are closed before announcing results. For example, although some polls in Kentucky and Indiana close at 6 p.m. ET, the last ones don’t shut down until 7 p.m. ET due to time zone differences.
This means the earliest we might see results is around 7 p.m. or shortly thereafter.
How were previous presidential elections resolved?
For the 2020 election, it took four days for President Joe Biden to be officially declared as the winner.
In 2016, Trump was announced as the winner early the morning following the election.
In a historic context, it took 35 days to proclaim Republican George W. Bush as the winner in 2000, marking the longest delay ever.