How to Track U.S. Election Results from Canada - Your Ultimate Guide!

As the highly anticipated U.S. election day approaches on November 5, many Canadians are eager to understand how they can follow the events and results unfolding south of the border. With Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic contender Kamala Harris in a fierce battle for the presidency, Canadians have a lot of burning questions.

When do polls open and close?

The opening hours for polling stations vary across the states. In some regions of Vermont, polls kick off as early as 5 a.m. ET, while five other states start at 6 a.m. ET. For most states, polls open between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. local time, with all states being open by noon on election day. It's important to note that Oregon conducts its elections entirely by mail and lacks physical polling locations.

The closing times for polls also differ. In swing states—key battlegrounds that could sway the election results—polls will close between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. Here’s a quick rundown of when polling ends in critical states: - **Georgia:** 7 p.m. ET - **North Carolina:** 7:30 p.m. ET - **Pennsylvania:** 8 p.m. ET - **Michigan:** 8 p.m. ET (with some counties closing at 9 p.m. ET) - **Wisconsin:** 9 p.m. ET - **Arizona:** 9 p.m. ET - **Nevada:** 10 p.m. ET Historically, Georgia and North Carolina have reported results within 20 minutes of polls closing. A strong early lead for either candidate in these swing states could drastically alter the election landscape, narrowing the path to victory for their opponent.

Current Polls: Who’s Leading?

As of now, the race is notably tight, with both candidates effectively deadlocked nationally. According to FiveThirtyEight, Harris holds a slight lead in national averages, but both candidates are within a critical margin of error. Most states have firmly leaned towards either candidate, creating a polarized political landscape.

Where to Watch Election Results in Canada?

Canadians looking to stay updated can tune into major news networks for live broadcasts: - **CBC News Network:** Election coverage starts at 6 a.m. ET. - **CTV News Channel:** Offers hourly updates starting at 7 p.m. ET. - **Global News:** Features live coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Additionally, U.S. networks such as CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and ABC News will also provide coverage that is accessible in Canada, depending on your cable subscription.

Streaming Options for Election Night

If you prefer online updates, several platforms will stream the election results: - **CBC Gem:** Streams CBC’s election night coverage live. - **CTV News website:** Offers its live broadcast online. - **Global TV app and website:** Live coverage will be available, alongside Pluto TV and Prime Video.

Advance Voting Trends

With various states allowing early voting, an impressive 78.7 million ballots have already been cast ahead of election day, representing over 49% of the total votes cast in 2020. Many states, especially key battlegrounds like Georgia and North Carolina, are witnessing unprecedented early voting levels, with registered Republicans particularly active due to Trump's encouragement for early voting.

Understanding the Electoral College

Unlike Canada, U.S. elections hinge on the electoral college system rather than a simple popular vote. Each state is assigned a certain number of electors based on its population. To win the presidency, a candidate needs a minimum of 270 electoral votes. For instance, if Harris secures California's popular vote, she will obtain all 54 of the state's electoral votes.

What Lies Ahead After November 5?

Historically, results on election day can sometimes be delayed, as seen in the 2000 election, where Florida's contested results took 36 days to resolve. More often than not, a clear outcome isn't reached immediately.

Can Trump Run Again?

Under the 22nd amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a person can serve only two four-year terms as president. If Trump wins, he will have completed his maximum. However, if he loses, he can potentially run again in 2028, given he secures another Republican nomination.

As the election day draws near, many remain glued to their screens, anticipating a thrilling night of political drama and potential surprises. Stay tuned for what promises to be a historical election that not only shapes the future of the United States but also impacts international relations, including Canada's role on the world stage!