AUSTIN, Texas — Election Day is less than a week away, and American voters are deciding on a new president.
Once all ballots are submitted on Nov. 5, The Associated Press (AP) will work to declare official winners – a process that could take several days.
While former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are on the presidential ticket, Central Texas leaders also have their names in the running for several positions.
We took a look at past trends for election calling.
When have presidential election results been called in the past?
In the most recent general election, Joe Biden was announced as the new president at 11:26 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2020, four days after Election Day. His opponent, former president Donald Trump, would attempt to overturn the results.
In the Nov. 8, 2016, election, Trump was declared president at 2:29 a.m. on Nov. 9, defeating his opponent, former U.S. Secretary of State and Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Back in 2012, the AP announced Barack Obama's reelection at 11:38 p.m. on the same night the polls closed, Nov. 6.
When have Texas races been called in the past?
Meanwhile in Texas, the AP shared results of the 2018 Senate race shortly after midnight on Nov. 7, following Election Day on Nov. 6. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz defeated his challenger, then-Congressman Beto O'Rourke.
In 2022, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott faced off against O'Rourke, defeating him in the race for governor. The AP announced the election results at 12:56 a.m. on Nov. 9. Election Day was Nov. 8.
That same year, Kirk Watson won a runoff election for mayor of Austin. The results were announced at 10:02 p.m. on Dec. 13, roughly three hours after the polls closed, according to The Texas Tribune.
This past spring, Leander residents also voted for a new mayor on May 4, with a decision announced the same night.
When are election results typically made public?
There is not a set time or date when election results are shared with the general public, as tallying up votes is done at the state level.
Each state follows unique rules, but results first come in after polling locations close. In Texas, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. As long as voters are in line by 7 p.m., they are permitted to cast their ballots.
