How long could it take before we know who is the next US president?

While billions of people are anxiously awaiting the results of the U.S. presidential election, a tight race between the two candidates could lead to extended delays before we know who will be the next occupant of the White House.

Delays in announcing official results often arise from close contests in key swing states, such as Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These states are frequently decisive in determining the outcome of the election.

In the 2020 election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the results of the November 3 vote were not finalized until November 7 due to such delays.

In the 2024 election, where Donald Trump is running for a third term against Vice President Kamala Harris, similar delays are expected, given the tight race reflected in recent polling leading up to election day.

Another contributing factor to potential delays is the processing of absentee ballots, particularly in swing states. These ballots can take several days to count, with four key swing states—Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—employing absentee voting procedures that may prolong the process.

Under the U.S. Electoral College system, it's possible for a candidate to win the popular vote but still not become president. To secure victory, a candidate must accumulate at least 270 electoral votes.