As the clock ticks down to closing time for polling stations in various states, the nation is abuzz with anticipation regarding who will emerge victorious as the next President and Vice President of the United States. The highly contested race features notable Democratic candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz facing off against Republican contenders Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. The outcome hinges on which coalition can capture the majority of the electoral college votes. According to the latest national average poll from The New York Times, as of the evening of November 5, 2024, the Harris-Walz ticket is leading with 49%, closely followed by the Trump-Vance duo at 48%. This tight race highlights the importance of voter turnout and engagement in this pivotal election.

To discover the timeline for when the nation can expect to learn the election results, continue reading below for detailed information.

Discover the Exact Time When the Presidential Results Will Be Announced

Polling stations across the nation close at varying times, and the process of counting votes is intricate and time-consuming, necessitating meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of the results. While it is possible for a winner to be declared on the night of the election, the full tally of votes may take several hours, or in some cases, days, to finalize. This means that even if the results are initially reported, they may change as more ballots are counted and verified. Understanding this timeline is crucial for voters who are eager to know who will lead the country.

Key Dates: When Will We Officially Know the Next President?

The critical day of Election Day culminates on November 5, marking the official close of voting. Following this, the counting of votes will commence in earnest, leading to the determination of who will assume the roles of President and Vice President in the White House. This period is filled with suspense as results trickle in, and the nation holds its breath in anticipation of the outcome. Voter engagement and participation are paramount during this time, as every vote counts in deciding the future leadership of the United States.

Understanding Polling Station Closing Times Across the United States

The closing times for polling stations are not uniform and vary significantly by state, reflecting the diverse electoral landscape of the nation. According to CBS News, the following schedule outlines the closing times for various states, which can impact when results may begin to emerge. Knowing these closing times can help voters plan their voting and understand when to expect updates on the election’s progress:

7 p.m. Eastern Time

• Georgia
• Indiana (Eastern counties close at 6 p.m. ET)
• Kentucky (Eastern counties close at 6 p.m. ET)
• South Carolina
• Vermont
• Virginia

7:30 p.m. Eastern Time

• North Carolina
• Ohio
• West Virginia

8 p.m. Eastern Time

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida (Eastern counties)
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire (hours vary)
• New Jersey
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee

8:30 p.m. Eastern Time

9 p.m. Eastern Time

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Iowa
• Kansas (except four western counties)
• Louisiana
• Michigan (except four counties)
• Minnesota
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota (except eight counties)
• South Dakota (Eastern counties)
• Texas (except three western counties)
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

10 p.m. Eastern Time

11 p.m. Eastern Time

• California
• Idaho (Southern counties)
• Oregon (Malheur County)
• Washington

12 a.m. Eastern Time

1 a.m. Eastern Time