American voters are set to head to the polls on November 5 to determine the next president of the United States. Given the current close race between Democrat Kamala Harris, the incumbent vice president, and Republican Donald Trump, former president, the announcement of results may take longer than usual this year.
Historically, election results have sometimes been declared within hours of polls closing. However, tight contests could necessitate caution among media outlets in declaring a winner. For example, if the margin of victory is razor-thin in key states like Pennsylvania, a statewide recount may be required if the difference is within half a percentage point, paralleling the close margins of previous elections.
There are also legal challenges anticipated, with over 100 pre-election lawsuits filed, primarily concerning voter eligibility and management. Other factors could cause delays, including potential disturbances at polling sites. On a positive note, some regions have improved their vote counting processes, and with fewer mail-in ballots than in the pandemic-driven 2020 election, the overall counting might be more efficient.
In previous elections, such as in 2020, Joe Biden was declared the winner several days post-election as states counted votes and resolved disputes. The outcome of significant swing states will be crucial in determining the election’s final result. These battleground states include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, each with distinct rules regarding vote counting. Polling concludes at various times across the country, affecting how promptly results can be published.
Interestingly, advancements in vote counting and election management are being observed, which could result in quicker turnaround times than anticipated. Nonetheless, it’s essential for voters and observers to be prepared for possible delays due to recounts or legal challenges. Once the votes are counted and a winner is announced, the electoral college process will follow, with its results confirmed at the beginning of January.
Overall, while challenges may arise, the robust electoral framework and the lessons learned from previous elections position the system to handle this significant moment in American democracy effectively.