On November 5, elections will be held in the United States to determine the 47th president of the country – he will be either Democratic representative Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump.
Preliminary results are expected on the morning of November 6, at approximately 6:00. This will happen after polling stations close on the West Coast of the United States. However, the final results could be delayed for several days as Harris and Trump’s ratings are nearly equal, raising the possibility of a recount and possible legal challenges.
In the United States, the election results are initially determined by the media themselves, since the Federal Election Commission is not involved in counting votes. Each state has its own procedures, and the count could be delayed if a recount becomes necessary, especially in key states like Pennsylvania. Also, the processing time for results is affected by early, postal and overseas votes, which may be processed with a delay.
Large media outlets have traditionally been decisive in covering US elections, relying on their own calculations, exit polls and forecasts. Key data sources include the AP, which sends thousands of reporters to gather information, and The National Election Pool, which provides exit polling data to a consortium of leading U.S. media outlets. Another significant source is Decision Desk HQ, which provides real-time data.
Although the winner may be determined at the media level shortly after the vote, formal approval will occur later. The decision is made not by direct votes of citizens, but through the Electoral College, where the winner must receive at least 270 votes.
The elected electors will convene on December 17 to formally cast their votes, and the final confirmation of the results will occur at a joint session of the US Congress on January 6, 2025, where the current Vice President Harris will preside. The inauguration of the newly elected president will take place on January 20, 2025.
Only 13% of Israeli respondents want to see Vice President Kamala Harris win.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Election Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming Presidential election on November 5th. We’re facing a historic moment as the nation decides between Democratic representative Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. With the stakes this high, can you provide us some insight into the current landscape of the election?
Election Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. This election is indeed pivotal. With Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both showing very close polling numbers, we’re entering a phase where not just voter turnout will be crucial, but also the handling of ballots and any potential legal challenges that may arise post-election.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned legal challenges. Given that the ratings for both candidates are so close, what are the potential scenarios we might face if the results are contested?
Election Expert: That’s a great question. If the results reflect a very narrow margin, we could see an array of recounts initiated by either side. This could lead to a prolonged period where definitive results remain unclear. Moreover, depending on the states and their laws, this could spark various legal challenges, as we’ve seen in previous elections. It’s important for voters to be prepared for that possibility.
Time.news Editor: The timeline for when we’ll start to see results is also a key aspect. Polls close on the West Coast, and preliminary results are expected early on November 6. How will this situation play out, especially considering potential delays?
Election Expert: Yes, that’s important. Preliminary results will come in quickly, but those might not accurately reflect the final outcome if there are many mail-in ballots or absentee votes. After the initial count, states will normally need additional time to verify those additional ballots and to ensure accuracy before finalizing the results. So, we may not have a definitive winner for several days after the election.
Time.news Editor: With all this uncertainty, how should voters approach this election in terms of their expectations?
Election Expert: Voters should prepare for a protracted situation. It’s essential to stay informed through reliable sources and to have patience as the counting processes take place. Understanding the electoral process and being aware of potential recounts or legal actions will help voters manage their expectations.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, what advice would you give for those who are politically engaged but feeling anxious about the outcome of such a crucial election?
Election Expert: It’s totally normal to feel anxious during such high-stakes times. My advice would be to focus on what you can control—make sure you’ve registered to vote, educate yourself on the candidates and their platforms, and encourage friends and family to engage civically as well. Remember, the election process is a cornerstone of our democracy, and participating in it, regardless of the outcome, is vital.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today. As we approach November 5th, it’s imperative to stay informed and engaged. We appreciate your time!
Election Expert: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how the election unfolds and wish everyone a peaceful and democratic process.