When will we know the results in the swing states?

With millions of voters heading to the polls to cast their ballots on Tuesday, Election Day will see the nation focus on seven key states where unique vote-counting rules mean some results could come quickly, while others could it lasts longer.

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From early voting to extended mail-in deadlines, each state has its own approach that could shape the calendar for Tuesday night. Here’s a quick look at when we’re likely to know who won in battlegrounds like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia.

Here’s what you need to know.

Michigan’s 2024 election will be the first time the state has offered early voting during a presidential election, which officials hope will ease the lines on Election Day.

Here are some key factors for the state to consider:

• Voting Options: Absentee ballots have been mailed out since September 26th, and early voting in person since October 7th.

• Count timeline: Clerks are allowed to start processing absentee ballots eight days before Election Day, which could reduce delays. Many counties expect 90 percent of absentee ballots to be processed before polls open.

• Potential delays: Some officials are concerned about USPS delays that could affect mail-in ballots close to Election Day. Voters are encouraged to submit absentee ballots at least two weeks early.

With high turnout expected, Michigan election officials aim to avoid the delays seen in 2020 by using early voting and efficient absentee processing.

North Carolina aims to report almost all (90%) of its votes by midnight on Election Day, November 5. Details include:

• Absentee Ballots: The state processes absentee ballots weekly beginning Oct. 1, allowing them to be counted immediately after polls close.

• Early Voting: In-person early voting is available from October 17 through November 2, and totals are processed before Election Day.

• Weather Challenges: Western North Carolina faces potential complications from Hurricane Helene, which affected accessibility to polling places. The new rules provide more options for affected voters.

Given the streamlined processes, North Carolina is likely to have results sooner than many other swing states.

In Pennsylvania, mail-in ballots cannot be processed until 7 a.m. on Election Day, leading to expected results delays. Key details include:

• Mail-in voting: More than 1 million people used mail-in ballots in the last gubernatorial election. This year, a new bill to allow processing before Election Day remains stalled in the state legislature.

• Count timeline: Without early processing, mail-in ballots can take days, especially in a close race. Democrats tend to favor mail-in voting, so early results may tilt Republican until mail-in ballots are processed.

• Legal and legislative factors: Former Gov. Tom Wolf’s Act 77 expanded mail-in voting, and ongoing political tensions affect any attempt to change counting procedures in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s secretary of state has indicated that voters should not expect a clear winner on election night, especially given the expected high vote-by-mail turnout.

Nevada allows postmarked mail-in ballots to be counted up to four days before Election Day, which can delay final results:

• Mail-in voting: With more than half the state voting by mail, ballots postmarked by Election Day are accepted for counting up to four days afterward.

• Updates: A new statewide registration system is designed to speed up the count, with Clark County adding tabulation equipment to handle high voter turnout.

• Counting Timeline: Results may be available gradually, but a definitive result could take several days, especially in close races.

In 2020, Nevada results were confirmed four days after Election Day, and 2024 could follow a similar timeline.

AArizona’s high volume of early voting ballots, cast on Election Day itself, has historically delayed the final results:

• Ballot Verification: Advance ballots sent on Election Day are subject to verification, including signature verification, before they are counted. Maricopa County, in particular, saw a record low of 100,000 ballots cast on Election Day 2020.

• Count Timeline: As of November 10, 619,000 ballots were still uncounted in the 2020 election. This trend could be repeated in 2024 due to close races and record turnout.

• Florida comparison: Unlike Arizona, Florida only allows election day withdrawals at county election offices, which may explain its faster reporting.

Arizona officials expect a close race, with results likely to unfold over days as late ballots are verified and counted.

Wisconsin: Absentee ballots and close races delay results

Wisconsin delays are expected due to absentee voting procedures and closed races:

• Counting Procedure: Wisconsin counts absentee ballots centrally in certain counties, which cannot begin until 7 a.m. on Election Day. Milwaukee’s results, for example, usually come late at night or early the next morning.

• Political polarization: Close races require nearly all ballots to be counted before results are called, contributing to longer wait times for unofficial results.

• Historical timeline: In 2020, the AP called in Wisconsin the day after the election. Based on past years, unofficial results for the 2024 election may not be available until early November 6.

Election officials emphasize accuracy over speed, with overnight absenteeism expected to affect early results.

Georgia: Legal challenges and record turnout

Georgia faces record turnout amid a slew of legal challenges that could affect vote processing:

• Litigation: Recent lawsuits challenge voter registration deadlines, candidate qualifications and last-minute rules by the State Board of Elections. Georgia Supreme Court recently delayed deciding on last-minute changes until after the election.

• Voter Registration: Hurricane Helene light lawsuits seeking to extend voter registration deadlines, although these were ultimately dismissed.

• Third Party Candidates: Some Ballots may include third-party candidates disqualified due to a Supreme Court ruling issued after the distribution of absentee ballots.

With numerous lawsuits and high turnout, election results in Georgia can be delayed, especially in close races.

What time do polls close in swing states?