Janice R. Andrews
The 2024 U.S. presidential election between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump is expected to be closely contested. Due to the high levels of early voting and the potential for legal challenges, it may take several days or even longer to determine the winner.
The U.S. election system does not provide instant results. Voters cast ballots that contribute to the popular vote in each state, which then determines the allocation of that state’s Electoral College votes. To win the presidency, a candidate needs 270 of the 538 total Electoral College votes. With a tight race anticipated, experts warn that finalizing the results could take time, especially if vote counts are challenged.
Over 81 million ballots were cast before Election Day, a significant increase compared to previous years. While many of these votes will be tallied on election night, mail-in and in-person votes take time to process and count accurately. Voters are urged to be patient as election officials complete this meticulous process.
In the past, election results were sometimes clear by midnight on Election Day. However, in the 2020 election, due to the high number of mail-in ballots, the winner was not declared until the following Saturday, four days after the polls closed. If the current race is as close as expected, a winner might not emerge until all mail-in ballots are counted, potentially delaying the announcement by several days.
After voting ends, each state’s election officials begin counting and validating ballots. Election laws vary by state, affecting when and how different types of ballots are processed. Some states, like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, will not start processing mail-in ballots until Election Day, which could extend the counting period.
The responsibility of announcing an official winner falls on state election authorities, who certify results through a detailed process. State certification deadlines are set for December 11. Following this, the Electoral College members cast their official votes for the winning candidate in each state, submitting their decision by December 25. On January 6, Congress will officially count these votes and confirm the winner, with the inauguration set for January 20.
However, there are potential risks for delays or complications. In 2022, at least 22 county election officials delayed certification in battleground states, a pattern that could impact this year’s timeline. The 2020 election saw numerous legal challenges, and further lawsuits from both parties could delay vote certification or even prevent some states from meeting certification deadlines.
Given the close competition, legal uncertainties, and high early voter turnout, election experts and officials advise patience. The process serves as a reminder of the intricate system that underpins U.S. elections, and while patience may be necessary, every vote counts in deciding the next president, a process that remains fundamental to American democracy.
