On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Americans will vote to decide who will succeed Joe Biden as the next president: Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?

Polls predict a tight race between the two presidential contenders, with results within the statistical margin of error, indicating that the winner’s announcement could be delayed by several days. Election Day in the U.S. has evolved into more of an “election week,” as each state follows its own procedures for ballot counting, which can delay final results.

Legal challenges could also cause delays. According to a The Guardian analysis, in 2020, the Associated Press declared Joe Biden the winner four days after polls closed. However, AP didn’t officially call North Carolina for Trump until ten days after Election Day and Georgia for Biden 16 days later, following hand recounts. In contrast, the 2016 election was called more swiftly, with Trump declared the winner at 2:29 a.m. on election night.

This year’s neck-and-neck race makes it hard to predict when a winner might be declared. However, early results from North Carolina and Georgia could provide an initial indication, as these states tend to report relatively quickly.

2024 U.S. Election: How the President is Elected

On November 5, 2024, U.S. citizens over 18 will vote for the next president, either Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump. The winner will serve from January 20, 2024, to January 20, 2028.

Voters will also select members of Congress, including all 435 members of the House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 senators. The House serves two-year terms, while senators serve six-year terms. Elections are held for one-third of the Senate every two years.

Currently, Republicans control the House, while Democrats lead the Senate. These legislative bodies vote on laws and can hinder the White House’s agenda if either chamber’s majority opposes the president’s policies.

U.S. Elections are Always on a Tuesday

U.S. presidential elections are held every four years, always on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This year, that date is November 5.