Millions of Americans have already cast their votes early, whether in person or by mail, with millions more expected to vote on Election Day. Each state has its own unique process and rules for counting ballots.
Here is a look at when polls will close in key states on election night and what to anticipate in terms of vote reporting
Georgia
Polls close at 7:00 p.m. ET
Early and mail-in ballots will be reported early in the evening, with Election Day ballots following. Smaller, rural counties are expected to report first, while larger, urban counties may take longer. Nearly all votes are expected to be counted on election night.
Key Dates: Early voting ended on 11/1, and mail-in ballots must be received by 11/5. Ballot processing began on October 21.
North Carolina
Polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET
Due to a new law, early vote reporting may be delayed, so initial results will largely consist of mail-in ballots. Early votes will follow, with Election Day ballots being reported last. Most votes are expected on election night, though provisional ballots, impacted by voter ID requirements and Hurricane Helene, will be counted later.
Key Dates: Early voting ended on 11/2, and mail-in ballots must be received by 11/5. Processing began on October 1.
Pennsylvania
Polls close at 8:00 p.m. ET
Vote reporting varies by county, but large counties are likely to report substantial mail-in ballot counts shortly after polls close. Since officials can only begin processing mail ballots on Election Day, full results may take several days.
Key Dates: Early voting ended on 10/29, and mail-in ballots must be received by 11/5. Processing begins on Election Day.
Michigan
Polls close at 8:00 p.m. ET and 9:00 p.m. ET
Reporting patterns will vary by county. Nearly all votes are expected by midday Wednesday, though larger counties, such as Wayne (Detroit), may report early Wednesday.
Key Dates: Early voting ends on 11/3, and mail-in ballots must be received by 11/5. Processing began on October 28.
Arizona
Polls close at 9:00 p.m. ET
There will be a one-hour delay in reporting. The first results will likely include early and mail-in ballots received before Election Day, while later-arriving mail ballots could take several days to finalize.
Key Dates: Early voting ended on 11/1, and mail-in ballots must be received by 11/5. Processing is ongoing as ballots are received.
Wisconsin
Polls close at 9:00 p.m. ET
Vote reporting will vary by county, with most results expected on election night. Some larger municipalities may finalize mail and early ballots by early Wednesday.
Key Dates: Early voting ends on 11/3, and mail-in ballots must be received by 11/5. Processing begins on Election Day.
Nevada
Polls close at 10:00 p.m. ET
No results will be reported until all polling places are closed statewide. Counting may continue for several days, as ballots postmarked by Election Day can arrive by 11/9 and still be counted.
Key Dates: Early voting ended on 11/1, and mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 11/5 and received by 11/9. Processing began on October 21.
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