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When will the first election results be available on Election Day 2024?

Posted on by Kennedy
When will the first election results be available on Election Day 2024?

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Tuesday is Election Day, the eagerly anticipated end to a dramatic presidential campaign.

While we may not know at the end of the day whether former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris is the projected winner, state-by-state results could be known shortly after polls close, especially in states where there are no polls is a close race.

In 2020, Kentucky and Vermont were among the first states where the Associated Press called the race minutes after polls closed in each state.

If this election follows a similar pattern, we could see states being called one way or the other around 7 p.m. ET.

Here's what else you should know about when to expect election results.

How do I vote in the 2024 election? Your guide to polling locations, mailing deadlines and more

When do the first polling stations close?

Some states could begin releasing results shortly after their polls close. According to 270toWin, these states are among the earliest to close:

  • Indiana – Polls close at 6:00 p.m. ET in most states
  • Kentucky – Polls close at 6:00 p.m. ET in most states
  • Florida – Polls close at 7 p.m. ET in most states
  • 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

Local polling stations may have different opening hours. Be sure to check with your local election officials to find out when polls close in your area.

When will the results of the state elections be announced?

The AP will not call any races until the last polls close in the state. While some polls close at 6:00 p.m. ET in Kentucky and Indiana, time zone differences mean the last polls in that state don't close until 7:00 p.m. ET

Therefore, the earliest results could potentially be available at 7 p.m. or shortly thereafter.

When were previous presidential elections called?

In 2020, it took four days for President Joe Biden to be declared the winner.

In 2016, Trump was declared the winner in the early hours of the morning the day after the election.

In 2000, it took 35 days for Republican George W. Bush to be declared the winner, the longest delay in history.

Contributors: John Fritze, Sam Woodward

Kinsey Crowley is a featured news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley.

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