Election results timing can vary by race and state, but here’s how it typically works and what to expect this year. Overview

• Polls close at different times by state, usually between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time. Unofficial results often flow in shortly after polls close, but final outcomes may take longer in close races due to mail-in, provisional, and overnight counting.

• Key statewide races (governors, state legislatures) and major city contests tend to be called first in states with rapid results processing, while local and ballot measure outcomes can lag, especially if margins are narrow.

What tends to determine when results are known

• Vote type and timing: In-person Election Day votes are counted quickly in many jurisdictions, while mail-in ballots and provisional ballots require additional processing and verification, delaying final results.

• State certification timing: Most states publish unofficial results on election night or the following day, with final certified totals issued days to weeks later after audits and provisional ballots are resolved. Virginia, for example, often requires certification steps that extend final totals beyond election night.

• Race closeness: Close statewide or local races can take longer to call because jurisdictions wait for all ballots, including late-arriving mail ballots, to ensure accuracy.

What to watch for this election cycle

• Virginia and New Jersey governor races: Typically among the first statewide results of the night; however, close margins or late mail ballots can push final calls into the following day.

• New York City mayoral and other major urban races: Unofficial results can come quickly for some contests, but close races or multi-round tallies may extend counts.

• Ballot propositions and local measures: Often depend on ballot-counting speed and the handling of mail/absentee ballots; some may require additional days to certify.

Practical guidance for watching results

• Check official outlets in your state for the latest unofficial results as polls close. They’ll typically list latest call estimates and which races are still outstanding.

• If a race is close, be prepared for results to be updated over several hours or into the next day as mail-in and provisional ballots are counted.

• For definitive results, await the official certification from the state or local election authorities, which may occur days to weeks after Election Day.

Direct answer

• Results are announced when counties or states finalize counts and issue unofficial calls, typically starting shortly after polls close and continuing through the night for many races. Final statewide results may not be known until the next day or later if margins are tight or mail/provisional ballots require processing, followed by official certification by the appropriate election authorities.