When will we know the result of the 2024 US election and what happens after?

The 2024 US election is tipped to be a defining moment in American political history, with the outcome balanced on a knife-edge. If Donald Trump secures a victory, he’ll return to office supposedly older, more irate and less encircled by grounded advisers than during his first term, leading to fears that there will be no one to temper his wrath.

Some ex-senior staff members have conveyed grave concerns, describing Trump as having authoritarian tendencies and warning he'll likely persist in this behaviour if re-elected. Should he face defeat, many expect an attempt to contest the results in a manner reminiscent of January 6, 2021.

Trump has reportedly amassed a coterie of fervent supporters aimed at challenging election outcomes not in his favour, under the banner "stop the steal". Kamala Harris experienced a surge in her poll ratings after succeeding Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee, but now her figures are stabilising.

Will we know the result on election night?

The election could well hang in the balance, hinging on voter turnout or legal interventions. As for when the US will know its election result, it's doubtful we'll have answers on election night itself.

How long will it take for votes to be counted?

In contrast to the UK's process, the US lacks a comprehensive exit poll, and factors such as the large voter base and vote verification processes mean results may take longer—even accounting for electronic voting and early ballots, reports the Mirror.

We will see the results of the US election unfold state by state, with clear winners being declared promptly where possible. However, in pivotal swing states like Pennsylvania, where the contest is on a knife-edge, certifying results could take days or even weeks.

When should a result be confirmed?

The timing of the announcement of the next US President hinges on how narrow the margins are. Recall that in 2020, even without a tight final tally and with just a handful of swing states determining the outcome, it still took several days to confirm the victor.

When will the new president take office?

Once we have a confirmed election result, the successful candidate becomes the President-Elect, but doesn't assume office until January. They will deliver an address and take the presidential oath outside the US Capitol building on January 20th.

But remember, it was the 76-day interregnum from election day to inauguration that proved tumultuous during 2020-21, when Trump refused to accept defeat and ultimately held his "stop the steal" rally outside the White House on January 6th.