US Elections 2024 Results: What To Expect From Battleground State Vote Counts On Election Night

These battleground states are expected to play pivotal roles in determining the election outcome, each with distinct rules and timelines for counting and reporting ballots cast early, by mail, or on Election Day.

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Georgia

• Electoral Votes: 16
• Polls Close: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Early Voting Deadline: November 1
• Mail-In Ballot Deadline: Received by November 5
• Processing Start Date: October 21

What to Expect:

• Expect early and mail ballots to be reported soon after polls close, followed by Election Day votes. Smaller rural counties will likely report before larger urban areas. Nearly all ballots should be reported on election night.

North Carolina

• Electoral Votes: 16
• Polls Close: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Early Voting Deadline: November 2
• Mail-In Ballot Deadline: Arrive by November 5
• Processing Start Date: October 1

What to Expect:

• Due to a new law, early votes may be delayed, so initial results will likely include mail ballots. Early votes will be reported next, followed by Election Day votes. The majority of results should be in on election night, though provisional ballots, which may be higher due to new voter ID laws and recent effects from Hurricane Helene, will be counted later.

Pennsylvania

• Electoral Votes: 19
• Polls Close: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Early Voting Deadline: October 29 in most areas
• Mail-In Ballot Deadline: Arrive by November 5
• Processing Start Date: Election Day

What to Expect:

• Reporting will vary across counties. Large counties are expected to report significant numbers of mail votes shortly after polls close, but it may take several days for all mail ballots to be fully counted.

Each of these states has implemented different deadlines and procedures, potentially impacting the speed and order in which results come in, especially given differences in early vote processing and the treatment of provisional ballots.