When we will know the results of US presidential election 2024

The US election is just days away, with tens of millions of people across the country deciding whether they want Kamala Harris or Donald Trump to be the next president.

In addition to choosing their next president, America will be voting on Tuesday November 5 for members of congress - the legislative part of the government that can make or amend laws.

The winner of the presidential election will serve a four year term in the White House which will begin in January 2025.

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In the last presidential election when Joe Biden became president, held on 3 November 2020, it took a few days to count all the votes. The result was officially called four days after the vote took place.

Due to how close the race currently looks, It is likely that it will take a few days or even weeks to officially declare the winner. We will however see exit polls on the night of the election.

When will we get exit polls?

Exit polls are under an embargo period until 5pm on polling days. After this, news publications can start to report the results.

When do polling stations close?

Poll close times vary from state to state but generally begin from around 7pm local time. Due to the range of time zones across the US, it means ballots on the east coast will have been tabulated while voters in states like Alaska and Hawaii are still making their way to the polls.

Who are the candidates?

Former president Donald Trump is the Republican Party candidate. He chose Ohio senator JD Vance to be his vice-presidential running mate.

Vice-President Kamala Harris joined the race for the Democrats after President Joe Biden dropped out. Her running mate is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

There have been some independent candidates in the race too including Robert F Kennedy Jr, nephew to former president John F Kennedy, but he has since dropped out and endorsed Trump.