In a historic showdown, Americans are heading to the polls today (November 5) to vote in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, marking the culmination of months of intense campaigning between former President Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, and the current Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party. This election has been marked by fierce debates, policy shifts, and even two assassination attempts targeting both candidates, underscoring the high stakes and tensions surrounding this pivotal race. Though millions of Americans have already participated in early voting, today’s Election Day holds significant symbolic importance as the official vote-counting process awaits the close of polls.
Election Day Voting Schedule in the US
Given the six different time zones across the U.S., voters will begin casting ballots at staggered times nationwide. Polls are expected to open between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (local time) across the states. In India Standard Time (IST), polls will open from 3:30 p.m. IST onward, with all polling booths expected to be operational by 8:30 p.m. IST.
When Does Voting End?
Voting will continue through the evening, concluding in most states by late evening. By the time voting officially ends across the U.S., it will be approximately 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, in India.
Vote Counting Begins
Once the voting period concludes, vote counting will start, with initial results expected as early as Wednesday morning (IST). However, due to the time difference between the east and west coasts, counting will begin in some eastern states while voting continues on the west coast. This early trickle of votes will provide preliminary trends, though full results could take several days due to the U.S. system’s complexity.
When Can We Expect the Final Results?
Although trends might emerge soon after polls close, the definitive outcome may take time. Varying vote-counting procedures across states, along with the processing of mail-in ballots, contribute to potential delays. If the race proves exceptionally close, recounts could be mandated, and legal disputes may follow, as Trump has so far refrained from pledging to accept the results in the event of a loss. The tension surrounding Trump’s response recalls the disputed 2020 election aftermath, where he challenged his defeat to then-candidate Joe Biden.
The Electoral College Vote and Transition of Power
As per the U.S. electoral process, voters indirectly elect the president through an Electoral College. After the popular vote results are finalized, designated electors will cast their votes on December 11, 2024. Following this, Congress will convene on January 6, 2025, to officially count these votes.
Should all go smoothly, the new president and vice president will be inaugurated and officially take office on January 20, 2025. This date marks the start of a new chapter for the U.S., with either Trump or Harris stepping into the nation’s highest office.