U.S. Presidential Election Results May Take Days to Finalize

The U.S. presidential election is set for November 5, but a clear winner between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump may not be determined immediately. With expected close margins and a complex vote-counting process, the outcome could take several days to confirm. Here’s a look at how key states are likely to impact the race.

Arizona

Nearly 90% of Arizona voters cast their ballots by mail or through early voting, which may lead to initial results favoring Harris. However, ballots cast on Election Day take longer to count, and these votes could shift the outcome in Trump’s favor. While officials can begin processing ballots as they arrive, results cannot be disclosed until after polls close. In 2022, Maricopa County faced delays, with one-fifth of all ballots arriving late, extending the final tally by several days.

Nevada

In Nevada, the 2020 election saw a long counting process that became a focal point on social media. This year, counties will start processing ballots earlier, but it might still not be enough to produce a quick result. Mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive up to four days later will still be counted, a factor that historically benefits Democrats.

North Carolina

North Carolina is expected to follow a similar pattern to previous elections, with early results leaning toward Harris due to the heavy influence of mail ballots. However, as Election Day votes are counted, Trump may narrow the gap. Final results could be delayed for up to a week or more, as absentee ballots and overseas votes are tallied over a 10-day period.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state, is known for its counting delays. Mail-in ballots, which cannot be processed until Election Day, will likely extend the counting process. Trump may lead initially based on same-day votes, but Harris could close the gap as Democratic mail ballots are counted. A new rule requires counties to disclose how many mail ballots are still pending by midnight, aiming to reduce the spread of conspiracy theories.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is expected to see a similar situation to 2020, where the late-night counting of ballots in Milwaukee led to a sudden surge in Biden's numbers, sparking claims of fraud from Trump. A similar pattern of late ballot dumps could result in delays and disputes, adding drama to the election night and the days following.

With close races and state-specific rules on counting, the 2024 U.S. presidential election could see a prolonged and tense wait for a definitive winner. Voters and observers alike will have to stay patient as the complex process unfolds.

Also read: Know why the US presidential election matter does so much, effect can the victory of Trump or Harris have on India

SUMMARY

Due to tight races and slow vote counting in key states, the U.S. presidential election on November 5 could take several days to determine a winner between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. In Arizona, early ballots may favor Harris, but Election Day votes take longer to count and could shift the result in Trump’s direction. In Nevada, the counting process may be delayed as mail-in ballots can arrive up to four days late. North Carolina might follow a similar pattern, with Harris leading in early counts, but Trump could close the gap as more Election Day votes are tallied, and final results may take up to a week. In Pennsylvania, where mail-in ballots can’t be counted until Election Day, Trump may initially lead, but Harris’s numbers could rise as more mail ballots are processed. Wisconsin could experience delays and disputes, especially with late-counting ballots from Milwaukee, adding to the drama of election night. Given the complex counting rules in these states, a definitive winner may not be known for several days.