Election Night Timeline: Past Race Call History - When Will We Know?
We all know the feeling: election night, the polls are closing, and you're glued to the TV. You're itching to know who won, but the networks are still saying it's too early to call. It's a familiar feeling, and it's always interesting to look back at how past election nights have unfolded. Let's take a trip down memory lane and see when some major races were called in the past.
The Long, Winding Road: 2016 Presidential Election
The 2016 presidential election was a doozy. Remember that night? It was a nail-biter right down to the wire. The first state to be called was Vermont for Hillary Clinton, around 7:30 p.m. EST. The networks were cautious about projecting the winner in other key states, like Florida and North Carolina, until late in the night. It wasn't until 2:30 a.m. EST that Donald Trump was declared the winner of the election.
A Little Faster: 2020 Presidential Election
The 2020 election was faster, but still, it felt like forever. The first state to be called was Vermont again, this time for Joe Biden, around 7:30 p.m. EST. Some key states, like Arizona, weren't projected until much later in the night. Biden was declared the winner of the election around 11:30 p.m. EST.
A Brief Look at Past Midterm Elections
Midterm elections are often a bit less dramatic, and results can come in a bit faster. For example, in the 2018 midterm election, the first state to be called was Vermont, once again. But hey, who doesn't love a good Vermont comeback? This time, Bernie Sanders was declared the winner at around 7:30 p.m. EST. The race for the House of Representatives was called later that night, around 11:30 p.m. EST.
What Does This Mean for 2024?
The past race call history is just a rough guide. Each election is different, and the pace of the count can be influenced by several factors like voter turnout, ballot design, and election rules. It's important to remember that the results are ultimately determined by the votes cast, not by who gets called first. So, as we wait for the results of the 2024 election, let's keep in mind that the race isn't over until the race is over!
Remember to be patient and informed, folks! Keep an eye on reliable news sources and stay engaged in the democratic process. And hey, if you're lucky, maybe we'll even get a few Vermont-shaped surprises along the way!