Election Day has arrived, and across the U.S., voters are heading to the polls to determine the next president. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump each need at least 270 electoral votes to secure the presidency in what analysts expect to be one of the closest elections in recent history.
Polling stations are open nationwide, with closing times varying by state and county. Most polls are scheduled to close between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time, but state-by-state differences and county-level specifics will play a role in when results start coming in. In a tight race like this, projections may not be finalized tonight as additional votes, including mail-in and provisional ballots, will likely need to be counted before an official winner is declared.
Last-Minute Campaigning in Battleground States
Both Harris and Trump made their final appeals in key battleground states on Monday, rallying support where polls indicate the margins could be razor-thin. Trump’s campaign saw stops in Raleigh, North Carolina, Reading and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and wrapped up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Harris focused her final day on Pennsylvania, hosting events in Allentown, Pittsburgh, and ending her campaign in Philadelphia.
When to Expect Results
While some states may report results quickly, delays are expected in high-stakes states where the race is particularly close or where mail-in ballots have surged. A repeat of the 2020 process, which saw a prolonged counting period, is anticipated, especially if the early margins are too close to call.
For the latest on live polling data, vote counts, and real-time updates, stay tuned as the evening unfolds.
