How are votes counted in the US presidential election?

America’s 2024 general election has many quirks like divergent voting processes, the outsize influence of “swing states” and uncertainties about how congressional results will affect the next president’s ability to govern. In the first of a three-part series, the South China Morning Post looks at how voting is carried out and some factors that may affect the timing of results.

The 2024 US presidential election pitting Vice-President Kamala Harris against former president Donald Trump is now less than a month away. Here are some key dates and issues that may affect the timing of the result and transition to a new administration.

Early voting

Forty-seven states, Washington DC, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands offer early in-person voting to all registered voters; some have been doing so since August.

Three states – Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire – do not offer early in-person voting, though they may provide these options to eligible absentee voters.

Early in-person voting may begin as early as 50 days ahead of Election Day – Tuesday, November 5 – or as late as Friday, November 1. The average start date for early voting is 27 days before the election.