People eagerly awaiting the results of the 2024 US Presidential election on Tuesday night (November 5) may face delays unless Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or Republican candidate Donald Trump achieves a substantial victory in key states, particularly the swing states.

If the results reflect the close polling data, which show leads within the margin of error—such as Trump’s narrow 0.4 percent lead in Pennsylvania—it could take days or even weeks to resolve any contested outcomes, potentially involving recounts, according to an IANS report.

Typically, the losing candidate concedes defeat before official results are announced if the outcome is clear. However, Trump has not acknowledged his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden and is likely to contest any defeat this time around. Harris may also pursue legal action in a tightly contested race where just a few hundred votes could determine the winner, with both candidates having teams of lawyers prepared.

Complicating the situation is the fact that the president is elected by an electoral college of 538 members, rather than by the popular vote. In most states, the candidate receiving the majority of votes takes all of that state’s electoral votes, meaning it’s possible to win the popular vote but lose the election. For example, in 2016, Hillary Clinton won nearly 3 million more votes than Trump but lost due to the electoral college, which favored Trump 306 to 227.

The decisive verdict will come from seven swing states where neither party holds a clear majority, collectively worth 93 electoral votes. Each state has different timelines for counting votes, particularly absentee ballots, leading to potential delays in results. If margins are close, recounts may also be requested, further extending the timeline.

If everything proceeds smoothly and margins are wide enough, results might be available as early as midnight in New York (10:30 a.m. IST). However, official announcements are expected to be delayed due to legal challenges. Each state governor must submit the official tally of electoral votes, known as “Certificates of Ascertainment,” by December 11. The electoral college is set to meet on December 17 to cast their votes in their respective state capitals.

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