Staying up? Here’s all you need to know about election night

The much-anticipated election night in the United States has finally arrived, marking the culmination of a campaign filled with unprecedented drama and excitement. As the nation braces itself for the results, the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump remains incredibly tight, promising a night full of surprises and twists. Polls will close on November 5, and as we settle in for the evening, it is essential to know what to expect. Our election night guide outlines the key moments to watch for as we await the results, which may take longer than usual to arrive. The times provided are in GMT first, followed by US Eastern time (EST). At 22:00 GMT (17:00 EST), we will receive our first glimpse into the thoughts of the American public with the release of the initial exit poll data. Unlike exit polls in the UK, which often predict the final outcome, American exit polls focus on understanding voters' priorities and opinions. They provide insights into how different demographic groups voted, combining election-day interviews with telephone polling across the country. Throughout the night, experts will discuss several key states, including those that are traditionally predictable and those that are considered swing states. Swing states are crucial because they can lean either Republican or Democrat, and both campaigns have been heavily targeting voters in these battleground areas. By 00:00 GMT (19:00 EST), polls will close in several states, including Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia. These states are not swing states, so we can expect their results to be more predictable. However, voting will also close in Georgia, a significant swing state that could provide valuable insight into the overall election outcome. The candidate who secures the most votes in Georgia will earn 16 crucial electoral votes, which are essential for winning the presidency. Both Harris and Trump are aiming for a majority of 270 electoral votes to claim victory in the White House. This number is more important than the total number of popular votes they receive nationwide. Shortly after, at 00:30 GMT (19:30 EST), polls will close in three additional states, including Ohio, where Trump's running mate is a senator. As the night progresses, both candidates will be at their respective headquarters, with Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Harris expected to be at Howard University in Washington DC, where she once studied. As the results begin to come in, some states may be called by media outlets. This means that they believe one candidate has gained a lead that cannot be surpassed by their opponent. In closely contested swing states, however, it may take a considerable amount of time to determine the outcome. The media uses various data sources, including exit polls and actual votes counted, to make these projections. The BBC, for instance, obtains its data from a firm called Edison Research. At 01:00 GMT (20:00 EST), more polls will close, including in Pennsylvania, which is a critical swing state with 19 electoral votes. This state has a rich history and is known for its industrial past, particularly in manufacturing. Some counties in Pennsylvania, such as Erie and Northampton, could play a pivotal role in determining the election outcome. Around 01:30 GMT (20:30 EST), we expect to receive additional exit poll data that will provide a national breakdown of voting patterns based on age, race, and education level. This data will be refined over the coming weeks as more information becomes available. At 02:00 GMT (21:00 EST), polls will close in more closely watched battleground states, including Michigan and Wisconsin. Michigan is home to a significant Arab American population, many of whom are concerned about the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Both states were won by Biden in the previous election, and their outcomes will be closely monitored. Polls will also close in states that are central to the national immigration debate, followed by states where both parties have made promises to working-class voters. At 04:00 GMT (23:00 EST), polls will close across the remaining states on the US mainland. The last two states to close will be Hawaii at 05:00 GMT (00:00 EST) and Alaska at 06:00 GMT (01:00 EST). Traditionally, the race has often been called for one candidate shortly after California's polls close. However, this year, many experts believe it may take longer to determine the winner. The increase in mail-in voting and early voting has complicated the counting process, with different states having varying rules about when they begin tallying these votes. Early results can sometimes be misleading, as a candidate who initially leads through in-person votes may later be overtaken when mail-in ballots are counted. This scenario played out in the 2020 election when Trump initially led but was ultimately surpassed by Biden. In addition to the presidential election, voters will also be selecting new members of Congress. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election, along with 34 contested Senate seats. Currently, Republicans control the House, while Democrats hold the Senate. These two chambers can serve as a check on the president's plans if the controlling party in either chamber disagrees with the White House. Voters in several states will also be asked to decide how their state should regulate abortion, a highly emotional issue in this election. If you are still awake and following the results, congratulations! However, it is important to note that it may take some time to determine the winner. The closer the race, the more counting will be required before a winner can be projected, and there is always the possibility of recounts. The full nationwide count typically takes days or even weeks. For context, in 2020, some results were not projected until days after election day, and in certain states, it took over a week for most outlets to declare a winner. A very close contest could feel reminiscent of the 2020 election or even the disputed 2000 presidential race between George W. Bush and Al Gore, which was ultimately settled by the US Supreme Court. The neck-and-neck race predicted by polls and pundits in 2024 could open the door to legal challenges from either side, making election night just the beginning of the drama rather than the final word on the outcome.