As the US election 2024 results come in on November 5, Americans and the world may not see an immediate winner. If Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or Republican candidate Donald Trump fails to secure decisive victories in key states, it could take days or even weeks to declare a winner.
Swing States Hold the Key
Swing states, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Michigan, will play a crucial role. Margins in these battleground states remain slim. For instance, polls suggest Pennsylvania could see just a 0.4 percent lead for Trump, leaving the results highly contested.
States Recounts, Legal Battles Likely
If the race is tight, both Trump and Harris are prepared for legal battles. Both candidates have legal teams ready to challenge close results. This process could further delay the announcement, especially in swing states where small margins could decide the outcome.
The Electoral College Complication
The winner is determined not by the popular vote but by the electoral college. Each state awards its electoral votes to the candidate who wins its popular vote, except for two smaller states. A candidate can win the popular vote but still lose the electoral vote, as happened in 2016 when Hillary Clinton lost to Trump despite winning 3 million more votes.
Federal Election Commission’s Limited Role
Complicating matters is the decentralized nature of US elections. The Federal Election Commission oversees election finance laws, but states independently manage their voting and counting procedures. This leads to varying timetables for closing polls and counting absentee ballots.
Absentee Ballots and Recounts Could Cause Delays
If absentee ballots outnumber the in-person votes in a state, results may be delayed. Recounts may also be demanded if margins are too close, further slowing the process. If things go smoothly, results could be known by midnight in New York, but delays are expected in several states.
Legal Challenges Will Prolong the Process
The official announcement of the results may be held up due to legal challenges. Each state’s governor must submit the final tally by December 11, certifying the electoral college votes. The electoral college is scheduled to meet on December 17, with members voting in their respective state capitals.
