US Elections Result: The 2024 US presidential election has become a dramatic showdown between Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, with both candidates in a neck-and-neck race for the White House. With the first polls closing at 6:00 pm EST on Tuesday and the last polls wrapping up at 1:00 am EST on Wednesday, early results are anticipated on Election Night. However, with such a close race, there’s a possibility that final results may not be known until the early hours of Wednesday — or even later if recounts are required.
This high-stakes election officially kicked off in Vermont early on November 5, signalling the start of nationwide voting. Key swing states — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin — are intensely scrutinised. These states considered crucial to the candidates' paths to the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency, have seen a surge in campaigning and political advertisements as both sides work to sway undecided voters.
Betting markets currently give Trump a slight advantage, with a 60 per cent chance of winning, compared to a 40 per cent chance for Harris. These odds underscore just how tight the race has been, with both candidates working to capture voters in pivotal states. The election's outcome hinges heavily on the results in these battleground regions, as they could ultimately decide who will occupy the Oval Office.
The climate on Election Day has been tense, with concerns about possible political violence leading to heightened security measures, particularly in battleground states like Nevada. Many businesses in Washington, DC, are braced for potential unrest, having boarded up their storefronts, and National Guard units are stationed in several states to maintain peace. Law enforcement and local governments are prepared to respond swiftly to any disruptions.
US Elections Result: How To Check Online
For those following the election closely, real-time updates will be available across major US news outlets, including USA Today, The Associated Press, and NBC News.
Coverage of the ballot counts is expected to begin after 5 pm EST on November 5 (2:30 am IST on November 6), with initial results trickling in soon after.
Viewers can also access live updates through platforms like Google, which has dedicated live trackers for election results.
Warning From Experts
Experts have warned that, in the case of very close results, recounts may be triggered, which could delay the official outcome by several days. Media networks are expected to project winners based on data from election analysts, but formal results will await confirmation by state and local authorities. With potential recounts on the horizon, Americans may be in for a longer wait before a final winner is declared.
The potential for post-election unrest has led to unprecedented security precautions across the nation. Many states, especially those with tight races, have prepared for any possible confrontations or demonstrations. In addition to boarded-up businesses, the presence of National Guard troops adds a layer of security to ensure that the voting and result-counting processes proceed peacefully.