The timing of knowing who won an election depends on the specific election and location.
- In the U.S., presidential election results typically start coming in on election night, but because of the prevalence of mail-in ballots and varying state rules, a winner may not be projected until hours, days, or even longer after Election Day. Close races and recounts can delay the final outcome even further.
- For the 2025 Philippine general election held on May 12, 2025, initial results started coming in on election night, but official canvassing and final results took a few days. The winners take office on June 30, 2025.
- Elections still upcoming, such as the 2025 Norwegian parliamentary election scheduled for September 8, 2025, will have result announcements soon after polls close on the election day.
Therefore, the exact time to know who won varies greatly by election. Generally, for national elections, preliminary results can be known the same day or within days, but official certification often takes longer. If the question is about a particular election, please specify the country or election type for a more precise answer.
