US Election 2024: Brace for a Cliffhanger – Key States That Could Delay Trump vs. Harris Result

The U.S. presidential election on November 5, 2024, promises to be a close contest between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. But a clear winner may not emerge immediately, as several key battleground states face unique challenges in vote-counting that could delay results. Tight margins, extensive mail-in voting, and state-specific processes mean the final outcome might hang in suspense for days.

Here’s a look at the states likely to shape – and possibly delay – the election night verdict.

1. Arizona

• Key Factors: Nearly 90% of Arizona voters cast ballots early or by mail, meaning Election Day ballots might favor Trump while initial mail-in counts may show a lead for Harris.

• Potential Delay: Mail-in ballots from Maricopa County, Arizona’s largest, can arrive late, complicating the timeline. In 2022, about 20% of ballots arrived on Election Day, pushing final results back by several days.

2. Georgia

• Key Factors: Georgia law requires early and absentee ballots to be counted by 8 p.m. ET. However, in-person votes, which tend to lean Republican, are counted later.

• Potential Delay: Overseas and military ballots, which can be counted up to three days post-election, might influence the final result if the race remains close.

3. Michigan

• Key Factors: Michigan has improved its mail ballot processing since 2020, hoping to avoid the “red mirage” effect, where early in-person votes skew Republican before mail ballots give Democrats a boost.

• Potential Delay: Despite reforms, if the race is tight, delays and close scrutiny of mail ballots could prolong the count.

4. Nevada

• Key Factors: In 2020, Nevada’s prolonged counting drew considerable attention. This time, counties can start processing earlier, but mail ballots postmarked by Election Day will be accepted for four additional days.

• Potential Delay: This rule typically benefits Democrats and could create suspense as the final ballots trickle in.

5. North Carolina

• Key Factors: The state often begins with mail-in ballots that favor Democrats, giving Harris an early advantage before Election Day votes narrow the gap.

• Potential Delay: Absentee and overseas ballots will be counted up to 10 days after the election, potentially pushing the final count into the following week.

6. Pennsylvania

• Key Factors: Pennsylvania’s mail ballots can’t be processed until Election Day, and same-day votes could initially favor Trump. As mail ballots are added, Harris might close the gap.

• Potential Delay: A new rule mandates that counties disclose the number of uncounted mail ballots by midnight on Election Day, but the final result may still take time.

7. Wisconsin

• Key Factors: Wisconsin’s centralized counting and later reporting have led to last-minute swings in previous elections.

• Potential Delay: The state’s reporting process, especially in Milwaukee, could create dramatic shifts, intensifying the tension as results come in.

Conclusion

The 2024 election is shaping up to be a nail-biter, with possible delays in critical battleground states. As mail-in votes, absentee ballots, and extended counting periods come into play, the U.S. and the world may have to wait to know who will lead the nation. Patience will be key, as any premature conclusions could spark unwarranted disputes or misinformation, echoing the contentious 2020 election.

Reference from :- https://www.businesstoday.in/world/us/story/us-election-2024-expect-a-cliffhanger-know-about-the-states-that-could-delay-the-result-between-trump-and-harris-452514-2024-11-05