For UK viewers eager to see who will emerge as the next president of the United States, the night will revolve around pivotal updates from key swing states. Unlike the UK, where exit polls often signal the winner, the US election may take longer to unfold due to its electoral college system. Candidates need 270 of the 538 electoral votes, rather than just a popular majority, to win. Here’s a guide to when results may be available and what to watch for throughout the night.
Exit Polls Start at 10 pm UK Time (5 pm ET)
At this time, the first batch of exit polls begins to give clues on the issues that most influenced voters. While US exit polls don’t project winners, they offer insights into the top issues, such as the economy or social policies, that might indicate broader voting trends.
Midnight UK Time (7 pm ET): Georgia and North Carolina – First Swing States Close
Polls close in Georgia and North Carolina at midnight, marking the first major battlegrounds. If either candidate takes both states, it could suggest momentum. However, official results could take hours or even days, depending on the closeness of the race.
1 am UK (8 pm ET): Pennsylvania Joins
Pennsylvania is a significant state with 19 electoral votes, and with a tight race expected, it could be crucial for either Trump or Harris. Due to restrictions on counting mail-in ballots before polls close, results may take longer to finalize. But if one candidate wins both Pennsylvania and the earlier states, their path to victory strengthens significantly.
2 am UK (9 pm ET): Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin
Polls in three more battleground states close in this hour. Results in Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin could hint at broader trends if they align with earlier swing states, though final tallies may still take time.
3 am UK (10 pm ET): Final Swing State, Nevada
Nevada, the last major swing state, closes its polls. While its six electoral votes are unlikely to be decisive alone, they might add to an emerging pattern. If neither candidate has a clear lead by now, it’s likely that more counting, or even legal challenges, could be ahead.
4 am UK (11 pm ET) and Beyond: West Coast Polls Close
As polls close on the West Coast, if neither Trump nor Harris has a confirmed path to victory, the focus may shift to legal battles or recounts. In the event of a very close race, a full resolution could take days or even weeks, as in 2020.
Final Thoughts
UK viewers can catch coverage across BBC, ITV, Sky News, and Channel 4. While the wait may be long, following key swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina could give an early sense of the likely outcome.
