US Election results

Photo: Flickr / John Rothwell

US Election: What time will we have the results in South Africa?

Happy US Election Eve to all those keeping an eye on our stateside friends this week – here’s what time you can expect the results to be announced.

US Election results

Photo: Flickr / John Rothwell

Whichever side of the fence you are on, it’s time to take a deep breath. America goes to the polls on Tuesday, in what promises to be one of the most important US Elections in living memory. Ask those backing either Donald Trump or Joe Biden, and they will tell you the exact same – the results will prove to be a watershed moment for the country.

Biden vs Trump: When do the results come out?

The polls have Joe Biden leading on both a national scale and within a majority of key swing states. However, The Donald has never been bothered by these projections. The incumbent may now, somehow, find himself as an underdog in the contest – and that suits the billionaire just fine. Biden, however, has all the momentum ahead of the ballots opening tomorrow.

It all kicks off properly on Tuesday. Well, technically, not for us here in Mzansi. Due to our seven-hour time difference with the east coast of America, it’ll be well into Wednesday before we have any idea of who will lead the US for the next four years. Here are the crucial times – and dates – you need to make a note of as the results pour in:

US Election: What time do we get the results in South Africa?

  • In the USA, all polling stations will close by 21:00 ET on Tuesday 3 November. That’s 2:00 on Wednesday in the UK, and 4:00 on Wednesday for us here in South Africa. Shortly afterwards, the first confirmed vote tallies will be announced.
  • All votes can be counted up within six hours, but that’s in a best-case scenario. On this basis, an announcement *could possibly* be made on Wednesday morning; by 3:00 in the US, 8:00 in the UK, and 10:00 in South Africa.
  • Between 4:00 – 10:00 on Wednesday 4 November is the ‘money-time’ for South Africans. This is when the race will start, play out, take shape, and build towards some form of conclusion. You can decide how much of it you want to take in.
  • Interestingly enough, the 2016 US Election was called by 2.30 ET the following morning in the States, 7.30 in the UK, and 9:30 in South Africa. So there’s no need to get up ‘especially early’ to find out who has triumphed on Election Day.
  • Each state begins to certify its results from 10 November – a week after voting day. In some cases, the process can take weeks. Given the sheer scale of mail-in voters this year, we could see the final results delayed until later this month – or even early December.
  • Regardless of the drama set to unfold, either Donald Trump or Joe Biden will be inaugurated on 20 January 2021.