We may not know who the next president is on Tuesday. When were past races called?
With the 2024 presidential race count underway, here's how long it took for winners to be declared in 2020, 2016, 2012, 2008, 2004 and 2000. It ranges from the same day to 35 days later.
Election Day is when many Americans cast their vote for U.S. president but it's not always the day they find out who won.
Media outlets have begun projecting which state electoral college votes will go to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or to Republican nominee Donald Trump. However, a projected winner could take several days as previous elections have shown.
A candidate needs at least 270 Electoral College votes to win the presidency. If the results of even one key state aren't clear, the election call can take more time.
"It took several days to count every ballot in 2020, and it’s very likely we won’t know the outcome tonight, either," former President Barack Obama wrote on X on Tuesday.
As the suspense for the winner continues, here is a look into how long uncertainty lasted in previous presidential races.
How long did the 2020 election last?
President Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 race against former President Donald Trump on Saturday, Nov. 7 − four days after Election Day that year.
How long did the 2016 election last?
In the 2016 race, Trump was projected to win in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 9, the morning after Election Day.
How long did the 2012 election last?
In 2012, former President Barack Obama was projected to win reelection over Sen. Mitt Romney before midnight on Election Day, Nov. 6.
How long did the 2008 election last?
In 2008, Obama also was elected into his first term on Nov. 4, 2008 against Sen. John McCain, in a quick victory announced around 11 p.m. EST after polls closed.
How long did the 2004 election last?
In the 2004 race, President George W. Bush won his second term after then-Sen. John Kerry conceded on a phone call on Wednesday, Nov. 3, shortly after 11 a.m. the day after the voting.
How long did the 2000 election last?
In the longest delay in history, it took 35 days after the election to declare President George W. Bush the winner on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000.
Allegations of miscounts, court debates and logistical voting issues, including a faulty ballot design, were to blame for the delay.
Contributing: Kinsley Crowley, Joshua Bote and Rachel Barber