American voters are casting their ballots Tuesday in the closely contested 2024 presidential election between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump.
With both candidates locked in a tight race for weeks, election experts warn of potential delays in announcing a winner.
The first polling stations close at 6 p.m. EST (11 p.m. GMT), with the final polls set to close at 1 a.m. EST (6 a.m. GMT) early Wednesday. Typically, results are projected within hours, with winners often announced by late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.
This year, however, the close competition may require media outlets to take additional time to project a clear winner confidently, according to the BBC. Narrow vote margins in key swing states could lead to extended counting periods and possible recounts, as required by state laws, potentially pushing final results beyond election night.
Official results are generally confirmed after thorough review of precinct and county data, especially in highly competitive states. Any delays or recounts could further extend the timeline for an official outcome.
With record voter turnout expected, both Harris and Trump have spent recent weeks campaigning intensively in key battleground states. Election officials nationwide are prepared for a potentially prolonged process to ensure accurate and comprehensive results. (Sources: BBC)
Live : US Election Results 2024
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