2024 election results: map, updates and analysis

AAmericans will go to the polls today to cast their votes for the next president — along with candidates for a host of other federal, state and local offices. Tens of millions of ballots have already been cast. Polling averages have been stable, showing a narrow tie in the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

The outcome depends on seven battleground states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina. Both candidates crisscrossed these states in the final days of their campaigns, hoping to win over undecided voters and solidify their bases.

The stakes are particularly high as economic issues, immigration and reproductive rights are top of mind for voters. And there's the historical significance of the candidates themselves: Harris, 59, would be the first woman and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as U.S. president. Trump, who is 78, would become the oldest president in history if he wins and completes another term at 82, and he would be the first president to be convicted of a crime.

The cost of living remains a key concern for voters as many Americans still grapple with inflationary pressures from the pandemic. Trump has positioned himself as a champion of economic revival, even as some economists warn his proposed tariffs could have the opposite effect. For Harris, the issue of abortion has become a buzzword, especially after the Supreme Court's overturn decision Roe v. Wade. She framed reproductive rights as a matter of personal freedom, particularly resonating with women voters, many of whom are mobilized by ballot initiatives protecting those rights in key states.

Immigration also remains a critical issue for Trump, who has promised to deport millions of illegal migrants. Meanwhile, the integrity of democracy is also at the forefront of this election; The Harris campaign has often reminded voters of Trump's attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and his threats to use state force against domestic political rivals.

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As with the 2020 election, there may not be a clear winner on election night. Many states may not begin counting mail-in ballots until Election Day itself, which could lengthen the wait for results and raise concerns about transparency and fairness. Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric to sow doubt about the integrity of the result, particularly in the crucial battleground of Pennsylvania, raising fears that if he loses he is laying the groundwork for the election to be stolen.

The Senate is also in play, with 34 seats up for election and the possibility of a shift in power as Democrats try to defend their slim majority. And voters will decide which party controls the House, an answer that will also come down to a handful of competitive races.

TIME will keep you informed throughout Election Day and beyond, providing insight into voter turnout and key races. We also offer stories about the candidates and their platforms to help you understand the broader implications of today's election. Stay with us as we navigate this historic day together.

Why We may not have a winner on Election Day

Even if the polls close at the end of the day on November 5, there may be no clear winner on Election Day. Because mail-in voting remains a popular option, there may be delays in counting and verifying mail-in ballots – especially in a close election. Counting mail-in ballots requires additional layers of processing and verification; In some states, work begins when ballots are received, while in other states counting begins on Election Day.

Some swing states will have results sooner than others: Michigan, Georgia and North Carolina have pre-processing laws that ensure mail-in ballots are processed and verified before Election Day. However, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin prohibit the processing and verification of mail-in ballots before polls open on Election Day. (In 2020, Pennsylvania took four days to announce election results.) And Arizona and Nevada, both of which vote largely by mail, will likely be the last to have results. Published: 7:00 a.m. ET. —Simmone Shah

When do the first polling stations close?

Voting times vary from state to state – sometimes even county to county.

You can see exactly when polls close in your state today on TIME's map below. Because poll closing times vary in North Dakota and New Hampshire, you can use the search features on each state's website.

The first polls will close at 6 p.m. in Kentucky and Indiana – particularly in counties in the Eastern Time Zone.

How long it will take for individual polling stations to receive results varies greatly. In some states, such as Arizona, most votes will likely be cast by mail and early voting. In key swing states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, however, counters are not allowed to begin processing absentee and absentee ballots until Election Day. Published at 7:00 a.m. ET. —Rebecca Cutting