When Will We Know Who Won the 2024 US Presidential Election?

When Will the Winner of the 2024 US Election Be Decided?

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is one of the most closely watched in history, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris fighting for the White House. As votes continue to be counted across the country, many are wondering: When will we know who has won?

With polls closed in crucial battleground states, and results trickling in, the outcome remains uncertain. Although some states have already been projected for Trump, key states are still up for grabs. Here's a breakdown of what to expect as the election unfolds.

Battleground States: The Key to Victory

The race is ultimately going to be decided by results from several key swing states. Historically, these are the states where either candidate could win, and they are proving to be pivotal once again.

States Already Projected for Trump

• North Carolina: The first battleground state to be called for Trump.
• Georgia: A major swing state that Biden won narrowly in 2020 but Trump has carried in 2024.

States Where Trump Leads or Is Ahead

• Wisconsin: The results here may take some time, but Trump is ahead.
• Michigan: Another state where results are expected to be delayed until Wednesday.
• Arizona and Nevada: Both states could take days to fully count, but early reports show Trump leading.

States Where Harris Still Has Hope

• Pennsylvania: This state remains too close to call, with final results expected to take some time.
• Nevada: A state that often takes longer to count, but Harris still has a chance.

Why It Could Take Time to Know the Winner

Unlike some past elections, the tight race in many states and high turnout mean that it could take days to declare a winner.

The Challenges of Vote Counting

• Mail-in ballots: A significant number of ballots are still being processed, which could delay results in states like Arizona and Michigan.
• Recounts: In some states, such as Pennsylvania, if the margin is under half a percentage point, a recount could be triggered.
• Legal Challenges: Already, over 100 pre-election lawsuits have been filed by Republicans challenging voter eligibility and counting procedures.

Historical Context: When Have Results Been Declared in Previous Elections?

In 2020, the race wasn’t called until four days after election night when results in Pennsylvania were finally confirmed. In contrast, in 2016, Trump was declared the winner shortly after polls closed, but that was the exception, not the rule.

The 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore is a stark reminder of how long the process can take. It wasn’t until five weeks later, after the U.S. Supreme Court intervened in the Florida recount, that Bush was declared the winner.

What Happens If There’s a Tie?

While rare, a tie in the Electoral College is possible, where both candidates reach 269 electoral votes. In that case, the House of Representatives would vote to choose the President, while the Senate would pick the Vice President. This hasn’t happened in over 200 years, but the possibility remains.

Inauguration Day: When Will the New President Be Sworn In?

No matter how long it takes to count the votes, the presidential inauguration will take place on January 20, 2025. The new president will be sworn into office at the U.S. Capitol in a formal ceremony that marks the official beginning of their term.

What We Can Expect in the Coming Days

• Early Results: Expect results from more predictable states first, such as California and Texas.
• Delays: States like Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania could take days to fully count.
• Recounts and Legal Challenges: As with past elections, there may be legal challenges and recounts in tight states.

Conclusion: Stay Tuned for Updates

The 2024 election may not be decided on election night. With close races in battleground states, the full count could take days, or even weeks. Stay informed and follow live updates for the latest projections as we move toward a final result.