US election timeline: when will we know the next president after Trump and Harris face off?

The U.S. presidential election is set for November 5, 2024, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as the main candidates. Over 44 million early ballots have already been cast. The winner will be inaugurated on January 6, 2025. Results may not be clear on Election Night, especially if the race is close. News outlets typically project a winner based on vote counts, but official results can take weeks. The Electoral College will formally cast votes on December 17. Counting begins immediately after polls close, with results certified by state officials. The process can be complex, as seen in past elections, where close races led to delays in declaring a winner.