As the highly anticipated election day approaches, the campaign, marked by intense rivalry and unexpected developments, is reaching its climax. The contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has been particularly competitive, with the potential for more surprises once the polls close on November 5.

Get ready for an eventful night as we prepare to witness the initial exit poll results that will reveal what voters are thinking and what issues are most important to them. Unlike exit polls in the UK that predict final outcomes, American exit polls focus on understanding voters' priorities and demographics, combining in-person interviews with telephone surveys across the nation and key swing states.

Throughout election night, several battleground states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—will be under close scrutiny. These states are critical as their voting patterns can vary significantly between Republican and Democratic candidates.

Polling will close first in states like Indiana and Kentucky, where outcomes are largely predictable. However, Georgia will be a key state to watch; it was narrowly won by Joe Biden in the previous election and has been at the center of controversy surrounding Trump’s claims of election fraud. The candidate who secures Georgia’s 16 electoral votes could signal a strong direction for the overall election outcome.

As polls close at 7:30 PM EST in North Carolina and Ohio, attention will shift to local governor races and other congressional contests. In Ohio, Trump’s running mate JD Vance seeks his position as senator. Media outlets may start calling results based on projected leads using models that incorporate various data points like exit polls.

The closing of polls in Pennsylvania at 8:00 PM EST marks a pivotal moment since it carries 19 electoral votes and is part of the Rust Belt region that has faced economic challenges in recent years. Key counties here could play a decisive role.

By around 8:30 PM EST, more detailed exit poll data will emerge, breaking down results by age, race, and education level. Polling also concludes in states like Michigan and Wisconsin—critical battlegrounds that could influence national trends.

As voting wraps up into the late hours with states like Arizona and Nevada closing their polls shortly after, it may take time before any candidate is declared victorious. The current trend of increased mail-in voting often leads to delays in counting results due to varying state regulations on when ballots can be tallied.

While all eyes may be on the presidential race, voters will also select new members of Congress, impacting legislative agendas moving forward. With all seats in the House contested and numerous Senate positions up for grabs, control of Congress could significantly influence future policies.

The election result may take longer than usual to determine this year due to tight races and potential legal challenges that could arise from narrow margins. This scenario echoes previous elections that faced similar prolonged uncertainties.