In the U.S. election, closely monitored and eagerly anticipated worldwide, we are once again faced with the possibility of a delay in announcing results. The head-to-head contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has heightened interest in the outcome. In fact, it took nearly four days for Joe Biden to be declared the winner in the 2020 election. A similar delay is likely in the 2024 elections.
Several factors contribute to the delay in announcing election results in the United States. One of the primary reasons is mail-in voting. Due to existing laws in certain states, differences in voting and counting procedures can arise, leading to delays in results. Additionally, the large voting population across the country and the complexity of the voting process are other elements contributing to these delays. Moreover, a rigorous control mechanism is implemented to ensure the accuracy of the elections and the voting process, which also prolongs the announcement of results.
In particular, the swing states—such as Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada—play a direct role in determining election outcomes, and results from these states may not be finalized immediately. Many factors contribute to delays in these critical states, the most significant of which include the slow processing of ballots and the long lines at polling stations.
Outside of swing states, the Electoral College is the primary determinant of U.S. presidential elections. In this body, where each state is allocated a certain number of delegates, the candidate who reaches 270 delegates secures the presidency. Remarkably, 93% of these 270 delegates come from the swing states mentioned above, which represent 18% of the country’s population. In this election cycle, both Harris and Trump have campaigned intensely in these pivotal states. Kamala Harris has focused on Republican voters in rural areas, while Donald Trump has concentrated on urban areas with a high concentration of Democratic voters.
In the 2024 election, the demographic profile of voters in the swing states shows variability, which could significantly impact the election results and the policies of the elected president. In states like Arizona and Nevada, immigration policies are a key focus, while in Michigan, government policy on Gaza is at the forefront. In North Carolina, issues of racial and religious diversity drive anti-discrimination policies, and in Pennsylvania, abortion remains a decisive factor shaping voter attitudes and behaviors.
