The 2024 presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is set to be an intense race, with polls showing a razor-thin margin. Many voters are wondering how long it will take to learn the results this year, especially after the five-day wait during the 2020 election. This time, experts suggest the process could be faster due to changes in ballot counting policies.
Why Was the 2020 Election Delayed?
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a historic increase in mail-in voting, with over 43% of ballots cast by mail compared to 25% in 2016. This sudden surge overwhelmed election systems in several states, where laws prevented mail-in ballots from being processed before Election Day.
The delays caused uncertainty and allowed conspiracy theories to spread. Despite this, the outcome of the election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was clear by the Wednesday or Thursday after Election Day, even though major networks waited until Saturday to officially call the race.
Will 2024 Be Different?
Experts believe the 2024 election process should be quicker thanks to updated voting policies. Many states now allow mail-in ballots to be processed ahead of Election Day. Processing involves verifying signatures, sorting envelopes, and rejecting incomplete ballots, tasks that previously caused delays.
According to the Center for Election Innovation & Research, about half of all states now permit ballot scanning before Election Day, though the results remain sealed. Key states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina have adopted these changes. However, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin—both critical swing states—still prohibit early processing of mail-in votes.
What If the Race Is Close Again?
Close races naturally take longer to call, as every vote must be counted to ensure accuracy. In 2020, the tight competition added to the delay. Similarly, with current polls showing Harris and Trump nearly tied (49% to 48%), the 2024 election might also come down to the wire.
To declare a winner, news outlets need enough votes counted to determine that the uncounted ballots won’t affect the outcome. Pete Seat, a former White House spokesperson, reminded voters to stay patient, saying, “It may not be as quick as we want it to be.”
Key Changes in Ballot Counting Policies
- Pre-Processing Allowed in Many States: Tasks like verifying voter identities and sorting ballots can now be done early in several states, including Michigan and Nevada.
- Faster Mail-In Voting Systems: Advanced machines can scan ballots before Election Day in certain states, streamlining the process.
- Swing State Rules Differ: While some swing states allow early processing, others like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin do not, potentially causing delays.
What Happens Next?
Millions of mail-in ballots have already been received, but it’s unclear if the total will match the historic numbers of 2020. Experts believe the faster processing methods will help reduce wait times, but voters should prepare for some delays, especially if the race remains as close as polls suggest.
FAQs
1. Why was the 2020 election result delayed?
The increase in mail-in votes during the pandemic and outdated state laws slowed the counting process.
2. Will mail-in voting be popular in 2024?
It’s uncertain if 2020 levels will repeat, but millions of ballots have already been mailed.
3. Which states process mail-in votes early?
Key states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina allow early processing.
4. Why are some states still slow?
Laws in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin prevent mail-in ballots from being processed before Election Day.
5. When will we know the 2024 winner?
Experts believe results will come faster than 2020 but remind voters to stay patient in case of a close race.
