Overview of the U.S. Election Process Timeline

1. November 5 at 13:00 Beijing Time (November 5 at 00:00 Eastern Time): Voters in two towns in New Hampshire will be the first to cast their votes.

2. From November 5 at 19:00 Beijing Time (from November 5 at 06:00 Eastern Time): Polling stations in most states across the U.S. will begin to open, especially in the states on the East Coast, marking the start of the election.

3. From November 6 at 08:00-11:00 Beijing Time (November 5 at 19:00-22:00 Eastern Time): Polling stations in each state will gradually close, and the ballot counting process will begin. Polling stations in the seven swing states that have a decisive impact on the election results will also close within this timeframe, with the states expected to have preliminary results being Georgia and North Carolina. Media organizations will start reporting and predicting winners in certain states based on the counting results.

4. After November 6 at 12:00 Beijing Time (after November 5 at 23:00 Eastern Time): As more states release their counting results, the national election results will gradually become clear. However, if the election is tight, it may take longer to determine the outcome.

Closing Times for Swing State Polling Stations:

1. Georgia: November 6 at 08:00 Beijing Time

2. North Carolina: November 6 at 08:30 Beijing Time

3. Pennsylvania: November 6 at 09:00 Beijing Time

4. Michigan: This state covers two time zones, so most areas will start reporting results at November 6 at 09:00 Beijing Time, while some voters in the Upper Peninsula will continue to vote until 10:00 Beijing Time.

5. Wisconsin: November 6 at 10:00 Beijing Time

6. Arizona: November 6 at 10:00 Beijing Time (Results will be released one hour after all polling stations close or after all precincts report results)

7. Nevada: November 6 at 11:00 Beijing Time (Results will be announced only after the last voter in line has cast their vote, so there is historically a wait time between the closing of polling stations and the initial results being released)

Key Dates to Watch After Election Day:

1. November 6 to December 11: States certify election results.

2. December 17: The Electoral College meets to cast official votes.

3. January 6, 2025: The U.S. Congress meets to count and certify the electoral votes.

4. January 20, 2025: The elected U.S. president is officially sworn in.