Short answer: Election results timelines vary by race and jurisdiction. In most U.S. elections, unofficial results are reported within hours after polls close for many races, but final statewide results and certified totals can take days, especially if margins are close or mail-in ballots are involved. Context and factors

• Poll closing times differ by state and race. Some key times commonly seen are 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m., and later for West Coast areas. Unofficial results often start appearing soon after polls close, but the earliest calls are usually those with statewide results where margins are wide and ballot counting is minimal. Final statewide totals typically come after counties certify ballots, which can extend into the next day or later in close races.

• Mail-in and provisional ballots influence timing. In states that count mail ballots received after Election Day or provisional ballots, there can be delays before final results are certified. Local election officials usually provide updates as counts progress.

• Certification processes. Even after an announcement of unofficial results, many states require certification by official bodies, which may take additional days to complete. Final statewide tallies are released after certification, and these are the numbers that determine any formal outcome.

What to watch for

• Look for local election offices or state election websites for live updates and official certification timelines. They typically publish estimated timelines and certify results in stages (unofficial results, then certified results).

• Major outlets often provide live result trackers on election night and in the days following, with notes on races that are too close to call and those that are already decided.

If you’d like, specify your state or the particular races you care about, and the current date, and provide a preference for “unofficial results as soon as polls close” versus “final certified results later.” This will allow providing a more precise, race-by-race timeline and the official sources to monitor.