Americans Vote as an Anxious Wait Begins
As the sun sets on a grueling and divisive campaign season, American voters are casting their ballots to select their next president. With just hours remaining before the final polls close in Alaska, many anticipate that it may take days to determine the outcome of one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history. Will Kamala Harris make history as the first woman to lead the nation, or will Donald Trump reclaim his position of power? Stay tuned for our live updates.
In an unprecedented turnout, more than 80 million people have already voted early, including Harris herself, while Trump exercised his right to vote today in Florida. Polling stations nationwide reported a bustling atmosphere, with only a few minor technical issues reported.
In Collegeville, Pennsylvania, 66-year-old Eileen Friel and her two sisters cast their votes for Harris, expressing their concerns about the potential implications of having a leader they consider “a little unhinged.” Conversely, in Asheville, North Carolina, 30-year-old Mason Long shared his reasons for supporting Trump, citing ongoing global conflicts and his hopes for a stronger economy. “I believe he will protect us and steer the country away from future wars,” he stated.
The first polls are set to close at 6 p.m. Eastern time, while the last ones will shut down at 1 a.m. on Wednesday. However, it is expected that results will continue to trickle in well after the polls close, leading to a potentially prolonged wait for clarity. My colleague Jess Bidgood, who authors the On Politics newsletter, aptly captured the sentiment of the night: “I think it’s going to be a night on the knife’s edge. Just across the map, up and down the ballot, we’re looking at a lot of really, really close races. We may have to exercise great patience before we gain clarity on what’s going to unfold.”
Here’s when you can expect results from each state:
More on the U.S. Election
- Nate Cohn, our chief political analyst, explores four possible outcomes from this election.
- Kaleigh Rogers, a reporter focused on polling, delves into why, despite the close races, the results might not align with the polls.
- While definitive answers are still pending, certain individual counties may provide early clues about the election outcome. Here’s what they could reveal.
- It’s important to remember that the winner isn’t solely determined by the popular vote. Let’s take a closer look at the role of the Electoral College.
- From Opinion: Four Times columnists share their thoughts on what to expect on election night and the implications of the results.
