Direct answer: Election results reporting typically begins as soon as polling places close and precincts start reporting, but the full count often takes longer due to mail-in and provisional ballots. In the U.S. this process varies by state and locality, with early results sometimes available within hours of polls closing, and a complete or canvassed result sometimes not finalized for days to weeks depending on the jurisdiction. For major races, national outlets will publish live results and vote tallies as they are certified or updated by official sources. If you share a specific race or location, can provide a more precise timeline based on that jurisdiction’s reporting rules.