Election Night Essentials: All You Need to Know
The high-stakes day is finally here: US election night. After a rollercoaster campaign season, voters have reached decision day in one of the most closely-watched elections in history between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. As the polls prepare to close on November 5, there are bound to be surprises throughout the evening.
So, whether you’re watching to the bitter end or just checking in for key updates, here’s your election night guide, with times in GMT and Eastern Standard Time (EST) so you don’t miss a thing.
22:00 GMT / 17:00 EST: First Exit Poll Data
After months of speculation, the first exit poll data comes in, providing a glimpse into what voters prioritize most. Early reports show democracy and the economy are at the top of people’s minds.
Exit polls in the US work differently from the UK—they’re less about forecasting results and more about giving insight into voters’ motivations and demographic leanings. Pollsters combine election day data with phone interviews in key swing states.
Throughout the night, expect intense focus on seven battleground states that could decide the presidency: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
00:00 GMT / 19:00 EST: Polls Close on the East Coast
Polls will close in Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia—most of which are expected to have predictable results. However, polls will also close in Georgia, the first swing state of the night. Georgia narrowly went for Biden in 2020 and has been a hotbed of controversy ever since.
Victory here for either Harris or Trump could be an early indicator of the broader outcome. Georgia’s 16 electoral votes could play a crucial role in reaching the necessary 270.
00:30 GMT / 19:30 EST: North Carolina and Ohio
Polls close in more states, including North Carolina—a critical battleground where the governor’s race has also drawn major attention. The state’s attorney general, Josh Stein, is up against Trump-backed candidate Mark Robinson. Ohio’s Senate race is another point of interest, with Trump’s running mate JD Vance holding a seat.
Meanwhile, both campaigns will set up for the night, with Trump stationed in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Harris at her alma mater, Howard University, in Washington, D.C.
Around this time, some states may begin to be “called,” as media outlets project outcomes based on exit polls and early counts.
01:00 GMT / 20:00 EST: Pennsylvania Takes Center Stage
With polls closing in Pennsylvania at this hour, the race will intensify. This Rust Belt state holds a massive 19 electoral votes. Trump was almost fatally injured at a rally here earlier this year, which put Pennsylvania at the heart of national headlines. The industrial counties here—like Erie and Northampton—could make a significant impact on the final outcome.
Exit poll data by age, race, and education level will be updated, giving more insight into voter demographics.
02:00 GMT / 21:00 EST: More Battlegrounds Close
Polls close in swing states Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona. In Michigan, the large Arab American community has been paying close attention to foreign policy, especially the Israel-Gaza conflict. Biden won Michigan and Wisconsin in 2020, while Arizona’s immigration issues have drawn attention.
In Nevada, where tipping is a key issue for working-class voters, polls close an hour later. Both Harris and Trump have tried to appeal to voters here with pledges to end taxes on tips.
04:00 GMT / 23:00 EST: Final Polls on Mainland Close
By 23:00 EST, all remaining states on the mainland will have completed voting, with Hawaii and Alaska closing last at 05:00 and 06:00 GMT. Traditionally, the presidential race was usually called around this time, but in 2024, the outcome could take much longer, especially with the number of early and postal ballots to count.
Mail-in votes can sometimes change the early lead established by in-person votes, as seen in Michigan in 2020, where Trump initially led only to be overtaken by Biden after postal ballots were counted.
Who Controls Congress? And Other Key Issues
Alongside the presidential election, every seat in the House of Representatives is up for grabs, as are 34 Senate seats. Republicans currently control the House, and Democrats the Senate. These two chambers could check any presidential initiatives if controlled by opposing parties.
Also, in states like Arizona, Montana, Missouri, and Florida, voters will weigh in on abortion regulations—a heated issue in this election.
Staying Up Late?
If you’re still up in the early hours, it might be a while yet before the final results come in. With a close race predicted, counting might extend into the week ahead, and, if exceptionally close, may echo the 2000 Bush-Gore election, which was resolved only after a Supreme Court ruling.
For now, settle in as the votes are counted—and prepare for what could be an unforgettable night in US political history.
