LOS ANGELES – As the 2024 elections heat up, all eyes are on seven key states, where unique vote-counting rules mean some results could come quickly, while others keep us guessing.

From early voting to extended mailing deadlines, each state has its own approach that could shape the election night schedule. Here’s a quick look at when we’re likely to find out who won in battlegrounds like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia.

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

Here are some key factors the state should consider:

• Voting options: Absentee ballots were mailed starting September 26, and in-person early voting began October 7.
• Counting timeline: Clerks are allowed to start processing absentee ballots eight days before Election Day, which could reduce delays. Many counties expect 90% of mail-in ballots to be processed before polls open.
• Potential delays: Some workers are concerned about USPS delays, which could impact ballots sent out as Election Day approaches. Voters are encouraged to submit their absentee ballots at least two weeks in advance.

With high turnout expected, Michigan election officials aim to avoid 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:

• Mail-in ballots: The state processes mail-in ballots weekly starting Oct. 1, allowing them to be counted immediately once the polls close.
• Early voting: In-person early voting is available from October 17 to November 2 and totals are processed before Election Day.
• Weather challenges: Western North Carolina is facing potential complications from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which affected accessibility to voting locations. The new rules provide more options for affected voters.

Given the streamlined processes, North Carolina will likely get results sooner than many other swing states.

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

• Voting by mail: More than a million people voted by mail in the last gubernatorial election. This year, a new bill allowing pre-election processing remains stalled in the state Legislature.
• Counting timeline: Without early processing, counting mail-in ballots can take days, especially in a close race. Democrats tend to favor mail-in voting, so early results could lean toward Republicans until mail-in ballots are processed.
• Legal and legislative factors: Former Gov. Tom Wolf’s Act 77 expanded mail-in voting, and current political tensions are impacting any attempt to change Pennsylvania’s counting procedures.

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

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

• Voting by mail: While more than half the state votes by mail, ballots postmarked on Election Day are accepted for counting up to four days later.
• Upgrades: A new statewide registration system is designed to speed up counting, with Clark County adding tabulation equipment to handle high turnout.
• Counting timeline: Results may be available gradually, but a definitive result could take days, especially in close races.

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

People cast early votes in person for the 2024 general election at the Northwest Activities Center on October 29, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

The high volume of early ballots cast on Election Day in Arizona has historically delayed final results:

• Verification of ballots: Early ballots cast on Election Day are subject to verification, including signature checks, before being counted. Maricopa County, in particular, saw a record 100,000 ballots cast on Election Day in 2020.
• Counting timeline: As of November 10, during the 2020 election, 619,000 ballots remained uncounted. This trend could repeat itself in 2024 due to close races and record participation.
• Comparison with Florida: Unlike Arizona, Florida only allows Election Day filings at county election offices, which may explain its speed of reporting.

Arizona officials expect a close race, with the results likely to play out over the days as late-arriving ballots are verified and counted.

Wisconsin: Mail-in ballots and close races delay results

Wisconsin expect delays due to mail-in voting procedures and close races:

• Counting procedure: Wisconsin counts mail-in ballots centrally in some counties, which cannot begin until 7 a.m. on Election Day. Results from Milwaukee, for example, usually come in late at night or early the next morning.
• Political polarization: Close races require almost all ballots to be counted before results are announced, contributing to longer wait times for unofficial results.
• Historical timeline: In 2020, the AP called Wisconsin the day after the election. Based on past years, unofficial 2024 election results may not be available until November 6.

Election officials prioritize accuracy over speed, with absentee counts late at night likely to affect early results.

Georgia: legal challenges and record turnout

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

• Dispute: Recent lawsuits challenge voter registration deadlines, candidate qualifications and last-minute rules from the State Board of Elections. The Georgia Supreme Court recently delayed rule on last-minute changes until after the elections.
• Voter registration: Hurricane Helene directed to lawsuits seeking to extend voter registration deadlines, although these were ultimately dismissed.
• Third-party candidates: Some ballots may include third-party candidates were disqualified due to a Supreme Court ruling issued after mail-in ballots were distributed.

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

What times do polling stations close in swing states?

• Arizona: 9 p.m. ET
• Georgia: 7 p.m. ET
• Michigan: 8 p.m. ET
• Pennsylvania: 8 p.m. ET
• Nevada: 10 p.m. ET
• North Carolina: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Wisconsin: 9 p.m. ET

The source

This article compiles information from previous reports from FOX television stations and reports from the Associated Press. Key information was gathered from interviews with local officials and information provided by state election commissions.