Americans are casting ballots today for the next President, along with candidates for other federal, state, and local offices. Early voting has already taken place, and polls show the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is extremely close.
The outcome hinges on seven key battleground states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina. Both candidates have campaigned heavily in these states, trying to sway undecided voters and solidify their supporters.
The stakes are high, with economic issues, immigration, and reproductive rights dominating voters’ concerns. The election also holds historical significance: Harris, at 59, would be the first woman and first person of South Asian descent to serve as U.S. President. Trump, at 78, would become the oldest President in history if he wins a second term, and he would be the first President to serve two non-consecutive terms.
The cost of living remains a primary concern for voters, with many facing ongoing inflation stemming from the pandemic. Trump has positioned himself as a champion of economic recovery, although some economists warn that his policies could have negative consequences. For Harris, the issue of reproductive rights has become a central rallying cry, especially after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. She has framed reproductive rights as a matter of personal freedom, resonating with many women voters who are mobilized by ballot initiatives aimed at protecting these rights in key states.
Immigration is a key issue for Trump, who has vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants. The integrity of democracy is also a major concern in this election; the Harris campaign has frequently reminded voters of Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and his threats to use government force against domestic political rivals.
Like the 2020 election, there is potential for delayed results. Many states cannot begin counting mail-in ballots until Election Day, which could extend the wait for results and raise concerns about transparency and fairness. Trump has intensified his rhetoric to cast doubt on the integrity of the outcome, , raising fears that he may attempt to claim the election was stolen if he loses.
The Senate election is also highly contested, with 34 seats up for election and the possibility of a change in party control as Democrats seek to maintain their slim majority. Voters will also decide which party controls the House of Representatives, an outcome that will be determined by a handful of competitive races.
TIME will keep you updated throughout Election Day and beyond, providing insights into voter turnout and key races. We’ll also offer stories on and , helping you understand the broader implications of today’s election. Stay with us as we navigate this historic day together.
Why we might not have a winner on Election Day
Although polls will close at the end of the day on Nov. 5, . As voting by mail continues to be popular, counting and verifying mail-in ballots could lead to delays, especially in a close race. Counting mail-in ballots involves additional processing and verification steps; in some states, this work begins when ballots are received, while in other states, counting begins on Election Day.
Some swing states will see results sooner than others: Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina have pre-processing laws that ensure mail ballots are processed and verified before Election Day. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, however, prohibit processing and verifying mail-in ballots until polls open on Election Day. (In 2020, it took four days for election results to be called in Pennsylvania.) Arizona and Nevada, which both vote largely by mail, are likely to be the last to see results come in. Published: 7:00 a.m. ET. —Simmone Shah
What time do the first polls close?
Polling hours vary state by state—sometimes even county by county.
On TIME’s map below, you can see when exactly the polls in your state close today. Since poll closing times vary in and , you can utilize search functions on each state’s respective website.
The first polls will close in Kentucky and Indiana at 6 p.m.—specifically those districts in the Eastern Time Zone.
How long it will take to get results from each polling station will vary greatly. For some states, like Arizona, most votes via mail and early voting. Whereas in key swing states such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, counters are not allowed to start processing absentee and mail-in ballots until election day. Published 7:00 a.m. ET. —Rebecca Schneid
