As the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential election, the first polls will close at 6:00 PM EST, with the final polls shutting down at 1:00 AM EST on Wednesday. The razor-thin margins between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump indicate that media outlets may delay declaring a winner, with many crucial swing states expected to play pivotal roles in the outcome. High voter turnout has been observed, with over 83 million Americans casting early ballots.

Georgia, which closes at 7:00 PM EST, anticipates that 75% of its votes will be counted within two hours, while North Carolina is expected to announce results before the night concludes. However, Pennsylvania's voting will end at 8:00 PM EST, and experts caution that it may take at least 24 hours to determine a winner due to potential recounts in close races, particularly if the margin falls within half a percentage point. Michigan results won't be available until late Wednesday, and Arizona and Nevada may take days to count, especially concerning mail-in ballots.

Amid the high stakes, there are concerns about election integrity, with over 100 pre-election lawsuits filed, predominantly by Republicans challenging voter eligibility and election processes. Officials are also vigilant against disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining the electoral process. Despite these challenges, cybersecurity officials report no evidence that such campaigns will significantly impact the election outcome.

As voters head to the polls amid heavy turnout, both candidates’ campaigns emphasize the importance of patience as the counting unfolds. The process of confirming the election results is expected to be closely monitored, with the electoral college ultimately deciding the winner, followed by a certification meeting of Congress on January 6. The new president will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, as the nation braces for what promises to be a historic and contentious election.