Mon Nov 04 11:12:39 UTC 2024: ## US Presidential Race Expected to be Close, Results Could Take Days
**WASHINGTON D.C. -** The upcoming US presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is expected to be extremely tight, potentially leaving the nation in suspense for days after the November 5th polls close.
A key factor in this uncertainty is the massive volume of mail-in ballots anticipated, particularly in pivotal battleground states with differing rules for handling and counting these votes. Early voting data suggests a high turnout, with over 70 million Americans already casting ballots, and more than 67 million mail-in ballots requested.
Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, is a major concern. The state is not allowed to begin processing mail-in ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day, likely causing a delay in the final results. This was also a factor in 2020, when the election wasn’t decided until four days after Election Day as workers processed a huge backlog of mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania.
Other states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina, while also expected to be close, are permitted to start processing mail-in ballots before Election Day. However, the sheer number of ballots could still cause delays in declaring a winner.
Experts say a decisive win by either Harris or Trump in a few key states could lead to a result being known on election night, making Pennsylvania less impactful. However, a tight race in key states could leave the outcome uncertain for several days.
Despite concerns about delays and potential for unrest, political science professor Matthew Lebo emphasized the integrity of the electoral process, stating that “every time ballots are counted there are Democrats and Republicans watching.” He reassured the public that “these are fair elections, and the counting of ballots is done fairly.”
The media, including Global News, will be relying on teams of polling and mathematical experts to analyze data and predict the outcome as polls are tallied. The Associated Press Decision Team, a key source for international media, will be closely monitoring results and using a rigorous process to ensure accurate projections.
While there are concerns about potential for unrest and legal challenges in the event of a close race, experts urge the public to remain informed and trust the electoral process.
First Piper 