2020 election results

When Will We Know the Winner of the 2024 US Presidential Race? Spoiler Alert: It Might Take a While!

As millions head to the polls, here's how long it took to know the winners in previous elections and why 2024 might keep us in suspense!

As the excitement of the 2024 US presidential election builds, many are left wondering, "When will we actually know who won?" If you're anticipating an immediate result after Election Day, you might want to temper those expectations. Just like in 2020, when it took several days of counting and a nail-biting wait before Joe Biden was declared the winner, the upcoming election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is expected to follow suit, potentially keeping us in suspense for a number of days post-voting. In fact, if you cast your mind back to this year's Super Tuesday, you might remember the buzz around how votes from various states trickle in at their own pace, causing a few anxious moments for keen political observers.

In a landscape full of election updates, the media plays a crucial role in reporting the results as they come in. However, thanks to several state laws and procedures, official, certified results often take longer to release. For instance, ballots mailed in or drop-off votes can lead to delays, especially in key battleground states that swing the election. Therefore, even if initial vote counts look promising for one candidate, holding the confetti can wait until all votes are tallied and verified. The rule of thumb? Patience, my friends!

Looking at the historical context, the waiting game is not a new phenomenon. Historically, the last two elections have shown that calling results takes time. In 2020, for instance, it wasn't until four days post-Election Day that networks like The Associated Press finally declared Biden the victor. Similarly, back in 2000, the infamous Bush vs. Gore race saw a protracted battle full of recounts that delayed the announcement of the winner for weeks. If you think the waiting was intense back then, 2024 might serve up some equally intense drama.

As we gear up for the official counts, don't forget about the role of exit polls. They provide invaluable insights into voter demographics and sentiments, shaping our understanding of the election's outcome before we even see the final results. It will be interesting to see how exit polls from 2024 compare to those in previous elections and what they reveal about the pulse of the American electorate this time around. So grab your popcorn and get comfy on the couch because we might be in for another thrilling election rollercoaster!

Fun fact: In the 2004 election, Ohio's results took several days to finalize, influencing who would become president. And speaking of patience, did you know that the longest time taken to declare a presidential winner in US history was during the 2000 election, which featured a full recount that lasted over a month? So remember, while we’re all eager for results, sometimes the drama is just as entertaining as the final ticket!