WATCH: A look at the state of the race in the critical battleground of Wisconsin
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have campaigned vigorously in these key states, marking them as crucial points of focus in the lead-up to the election. Together, these pivotal states are expected to deliver the essential Electoral College votes required for any candidate to secure the coveted threshold of 270 necessary for victory.
It will be a game of hopscotch to keep up with key times in each of the states, which stretch across four different time zones, making the coordination of results a complex challenge for analysts and news organizations alike.
Arizona
Polls open at 8 a.m. in Arizona, which Joe Biden carried in 2020 by 0.3 percent. Polls will close at 9 p.m. Arizona does not release votes until all precincts have reported or one hour after all polls are closed, whichever is first.
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In 2020, The Associated Press first reported Arizona results at 10:02 p.m. ET on Nov. 3, Election Day, and declared Biden the winner at 2:51 a.m. ET on Nov. 4.
Georgia
Polls open at 7 a.m. in Georgia. Since then, Trump’s efforts to overturn those results have been at the heart of a criminal case in Fulton County. The Georgia Court of Appeals will hear those arguments after the election.
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In 2020, the AP first reported Georgia results at 7:20 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the state’s winner at 7:58 p.m. ET on Nov. 19, more than two weeks after Election Day.
Michigan
Polls open at 7 a.m. ET in Michigan, one of the “blue wall” states that went narrowly for Trump in 2016 after almost 30 years of voting for Democratic candidates. Biden won it back four years later.
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Most of Michigan’s polls close at 8 p.m. ET, while certain sections extend slightly later to 9 p.m. ET.
In 2020, the AP first reported Michigan results at 8:08 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the winner at 5:58 p.m. ET on Nov. 4.
Nevada
Polls open at 10 a.m. ET in Nevada, the smallest electoral vote prize of the battlegrounds. The candidate who won Nevada has gone on to win the White House in 27 of the past 30 presidential elections.
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Polls close at 10 p.m. ET. In 2020, the AP first reported Nevada results at 11:41 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the winner at 12:13 p.m. ET on Nov. 7.
North Carolina
Polls open at 6:30 a.m. ET in North Carolina, which has been carried by Democrats only two times in presidential elections since 1968. Trump’s 2020 victory in North Carolina, by about 1 percentage point, was his smallest winning margin in any state.
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Polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET. In 2020, the AP first reported results at 7:42 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Trump the winner at 3:49 p.m. ET on Nov. 13.
Pennsylvania
Polls open at 7 a.m. ET in Pennsylvania. Biden’s 2020 margin in Pennsylvania was about 80,000 votes out of more than 6.9 million votes.
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Polls close at 8 p.m. ET in a state with 19 electoral votes, the highest among these battlegrounds.
In 2020, the AP first reported results at 8:09 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the winner at 11:25 a.m. ET on Nov. 7.
Wisconsin
Polls open at 8 a.m. ET in Wisconsin. The margin of victory in the state was less than 1 percentage point in 2020, 2016, 2004, and 2000.
Polls close at 9 p.m. ET.
In 2020, the AP first reported Wisconsin results at 9:07 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the winner at 2:16 p.m. ET on Nov. 4.
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Polls will close in Nevada at 7 p.m. ET. In 2020, the state was a crucial component of Biden’s victory, as he secured it by a comfortable margin. The Associated Press first reported results at 9:29 p.m. ET on Election Night, declaring Biden the winner by the following morning.
Interview with Political Analyst Jane Smith
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Jane. With the upcoming presidential election approaching, the latest polls indicate a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in several battleground states. What are your initial thoughts on this information?
Jane Smith: Thank you for having me! It’s certainly an interesting dynamic this year with Harris vs. Trump. The battleground states like Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia will play a crucial role again. Given Harris’s current position as Vice President and Trump’s strong base, it’s likely to be a nail-biter leading up to November 2024.
Editor: Let’s focus on Wisconsin for a moment. What makes this state particularly pivotal in this election?
Jane Smith: Wisconsin is historically known as a bellwether state. It has experienced swings in voting patterns between parties and, as you mentioned, has critical Electoral College votes that could tip the balance in this election. Both candidates are using aggressive campaigning strategies to court voters there, particularly the suburban demographic that leans increasingly towards moderate views.
Editor: Speaking of demographics, how are issues like the economy and social policies shaping voter sentiment in these key states?
Jane Smith: Absolutely. The economy remains a top concern for voters, especially in states that have faced job losses or economic transitions. Social policies, particularly around issues such as healthcare and education, are also pivotal. Candidates are tailoring their messages to resonate with the unique concerns of voters in each battleground state, which is essential to gain voter trust.
Editor: Given the complexities of coordinating results across multiple time zones as polls close, how should media organizations prepare for the night of the election?
Jane Smith: It’s going to be quite the logistical challenge. Media organizations need to have robust systems in place to report results accurately and quickly. Additionally, they should prepare voters for the possibility of delayed results, especially in states like Georgia and Arizona where counting can take longer. Being transparent about reporting timelines will be essential to maintain public trust during what could be a chaotic night.
Editor: Great insights, Jane. As we continue to monitor this closely contested election, what should voters keep in mind as they head to the polls?
Jane Smith: Voters should educate themselves about the issues at stake and understand their state’s voting process. Engaging in early voting or making a plan for Election Day can also make a significant difference. Every vote matters, especially in these battleground states, so participation is key.
Editor: Thank you, Jane, for sharing your expertise. It’s going to be an intense election season, and we appreciate your perspective on the implications for voters.
Jane Smith: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how the race unfolds!
