The winner of the 2024 U.S. presidential election will be known first on Election Night, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as initial vote counts start coming in shortly after polls close. However, because of the high volume of mail-in ballots and variations in vote counting speed across states, especially close races in key swing states, a clear winner may not be projected until several days later. It is possible early media projections will come within a day or two, but official and final results may take weeks, with final certification by December and the formal electoral vote count in Congress on January 6, 2025. A close election could delay a definitive call beyond election night, potentially requiring patience for days after November 5.
