This Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Americans will go to the polls to choose their next president in a very close race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The most frequently asked questions about Election Day 2024 are: When will we know who won the U.S. election? and What is the vote-counting process?
Here, we explain in detail the electoral process and the factors that influence the release of the final results.
When will we know who won the U.S. election?
Although preliminary results are usually known on the night of November 5, official results may take weeks to certify.
This is because the counting process includes multiple steps and verifications that must be carried out accurately to ensure the transparency and integrity of the election. Differences in counting rules and timelines among states also play an important role.
For example, some states allow mail-in ballots to be received and counted several days after the election, which can affect how quickly a definitive winner is determined.
What is the vote-counting process in U.S. elections?
Counting votes in the United States is a complex operation involving over 775,000 election workers nationwide, according to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC).
Each state defines its own method of counting and timelines for each type of vote, whether in-person or by mail.
Votes cast at polling stations are counted the same day, while mail-in ballots require additional verifications, such as validating the voter’s identity. This review can begin up to a month before the election in some states.
ALSO READ. Starbucks Christmas Drinks start: Meet the NEW seasonal flavors
How are votes counted in the United States?
The vote-counting process varies by type of vote and state.
In-person votes cast on Election Day are counted immediately at each polling station. In contrast, mail-in ballots go through a validation process to confirm the voter is eligible and that the vote was cast correctly.
In states like Nevada, the counting of mail-in ballots can begin up to 15 days before the election, although results are not made public until the polls close.
What is the Electoral College and how does it work?
The Electoral College is the system by which the president and vice president of the United States are elected. It is made up of 538 electors who represent the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each state has a number of electors proportional to its representation in Congress (senators and representatives). To win, a candidate must secure at least 270 votes from the Electoral College.
This system means that the winner is not decided directly by the popular vote but by the votes of the electors. The Electoral College meets in December, when the electors officially cast their votes.
What happens if Donald Trump and Kamala Harris tie?
In the unlikely event of a tie in the Electoral College (269 to 269), the presidential election would go to the House of Representatives, where each state casts one vote to decide the president. Meanwhile, the Senate would decide the vice president. This process is designed to resolve close races but is extremely rare.
Why can a candidate lose even if they have the majority of the popular vote?
Due to the Electoral College system, a candidate can win the presidency without obtaining the majority of the popular vote, as happened in 2016.
This occurs because the “winner-takes-all” system in most states awards all electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state, regardless of the margin of victory.
What are swing states, and why are they so important?
Swing states, or “battleground states,” are those where neither party has consistent support and where results can vary with each election.
These states are crucial in the Electoral College because their outcomes can tip the balance in a close race. In 2024, states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are key for both candidates, and their campaign strategies have focused on winning support from these voters.
Who counts the votes in the United States?
The counting process is managed by state election authorities, and in some cases, local and national oversight ensures transparency. Nearly all states allow the public and party representatives to observe parts of the electoral process, which contributes to the legitimacy of the count.
