Election Countdown: Trump vs. Harris – What to Expect on Election Night
In the upcoming night between Tuesday and Wednesday, the United States will commence the counting of the presidential elections. The primary candidates are former Republican President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris representing the Democrats. The starkly contrasting visions for the country's future offered by these two candidates are set to dominate the electoral landscape.
Il Post will provide live coverage of the counting, featuring a live video stream starting at 10:30 PM on Tuesday, with the potential for an earlier start. Additionally, a live blog will be active from Tuesday morning to keep readers updated. Due to the unique structure of the American electoral system, polling stations across various states will not close at the same time; instead, they will do so sequentially from 1 AM on Wednesday, Italian time, to 7 AM.
For simplicity, it is important to note that if one candidate manages to achieve a definitive victory, this could be established in the early hours of Wednesday. However, if the close competition predicted by many polls—showing Trump and Harris nearly tied in key states—holds true, results may take several days to be confirmed.
Key Timeline for Election Night
- 11 PM Italian Time: Major American newspapers will release their exit polls. These will not provide precise voting results but will give insights into the electorate's composition and pressing issues.
- 1 AM: Polls close in six states, with Virginia and particularly Georgia emerging as critical battlegrounds that could decisively influence the election outcome.
- 1:30 AM: Polls close in Ohio and North Carolina, where Trump and Harris are again nearly tied.
- 2 AM: The polls close in 16 states and the District of Columbia. Watch for Pennsylvania, essential for Harris if she aims for victory.
- Between 3 and 4 AM, another 18 states will close their polls, including significant battlegrounds like Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada.
- 6 and 7 AM: The last polling stations in Hawaii and Alaska will close, with results already expected to favor the respective parties.
Understanding the Election Process
For readers who may feel overwhelmed by the complexities of the election process, Il Post offers thorough explanations covering how a president is elected, the roles of electors, and details on the seven battleground states that are anticipated to determine the election's winner. Additionally, information about the last days of campaigning for both candidates and Elon Musk's controversial involvement aiming to bolster Trump's campaign is available.
Polling Insights
Recent polls indicate a very tight race between Trump and Harris, both nationally and in key battleground states. In recent days, some polls suggest a slight edge for Harris, generating renewed optimism among her aides. The New York Times’ average of battleground state polls reveals a near tie in Pennsylvania, Harris slightly leading in Michigan and Wisconsin, while Trump is ahead in Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina. Renowned pollster Nate Silver has stated that the final polling data suggests an exceptionally close election, with each candidate holding a 50% chance of winning.
When to Expect Results
Should a clear victor emerge, results could be accessible by Wednesday morning. Back in 2016, disbursement of results indicated Trump's win over Hillary Clinton despite a narrow margin. The Associated Press declared Trump's victory at 8:29 AM, even though it was apparent he led by 5:56 AM. In contrast, the electoral proceedings of 2020 extended over several days due to high numbers of mail-in ballots amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, mail-in votes are anticipated to be lower, with states optimizing their counting processes.
If it turns out that Trump and Harris remain closely matched in decisive battleground states, results may extend throughout the week, adding to the uncertainty of this highly competitive election.
Related Sources: