Us election

Polling Madness: What Time Do the US Election Polls Close?

As the countdown to the US election heats up, we dive into when the polls close and why Wagga Wagga is suddenly on my mind!

As the world gears up for the riveting spectacle that is the US presidential election on November 5, 2024, all eyes are glued to the race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. We’ll be biting our nails waiting for the polls to close, which can differ by state. Georgia kicks off the race by closing its polls at 7 PM ET, while Hawaii and Alaska keep the suspense alive until midnight ET! It feels like waiting for the next season of your favorite series to drop!

On this thrilling election night, the excitement doesn't stop with just one time zone. States across the US will announce their results at staggered intervals, keeping us on the edge of our seats as we await updates from battleground states. The end of polling doesn't always mean the end of uncertainty, as ballot counting speeds and close contests can lead to nail-biting delays. Remember 2020? It took four long days to declare a winner! If that’s not a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood script, I don’t know what is!

But wait! As I’m glued to TV coverage of the US election, my mind drifts off to Wagga Wagga, Australia! Yes, you read that right! It’s fascinating how demographic changes and boundary shifts at home can impact regional electorates in a similar way to the tricks the US elections employ. We might even see some local independent candidates cashing in on the trends unfolding on the other side of the world. Their importance in the political landscape is historic, and it makes you wonder who else might be creating a splash in politics!

As Harris and Trump make their final pushes with rallies in critical swing states, it’s a great reminder of how every vote counts. With their different visions for America, their campaign messages are reaching every nook and cranny of the nation. So while we’re all waiting for results, each of us has an opportunity and responsibility to engage in democracy. And if it makes you feel better, just remember – wherever you are, from Wagga Wagga to Washington D.C., we’re all just trying to figure out this whole democracy thing together!

Did you know that in the 2020 election, 159 million Americans voted, a turnout rate of about 66.8%? With increasing trends of early voting now, it's expected the 2024 election could smash records even further! And on this side of the world, Wagga Wagga’s quirky name reminds us that while politics can get intense, there’s always a chance for a chuckle amidst the chaos!