Once polling stations close across the US, the counting of votes will begin, a process that varies by state and could take days, especially if there are challenges and court appeals.
States cannot begin counting votes before the polls close, but most states allow an initial preparation of the ballots to facilitate counting. However in some states, such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin – two major swing states – even this preparation cannot begin before election day.
In most states the ballots first go through an electric scanner, which gives an initial result, before being counted by hand for confirmation.
The result is then certified by polling station officials and forwarded to county and state officials as well as local officials of both parties.
In the event of a narrow margin between the two candidates, which is likely to happen in seven key states, one or more recounts will be needed. These recounts will take time.
- In 2020, Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump was announced by the media four days after Election Day.
- In 2016, Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton was announced the next day.
- In 2008 and 2012 Barack Obama was able to celebrate his victory already on election night
Kamala Harris’ campaign predicted on Monday that the final results, mainly from Pennsylvania and Nevada, would not be known for “several days” and warned the Trump camp against any attempt to “sow doubt and chaos” around the electoral process.
US law stipulates that all election appeals must be decided before the 538 electors meet on December 17. The result of their vote will be ratified by Congress on January 6, 2025.
