CALIFORNIA, USA — Election Day is fast approaching, and as mail-in ballots are sent in or people prepare to vote in person, there's a common question on people's minds: when do we find out who wins the presidential election?
While the official results won't be made until all ballots are counted and certified, some races may be unofficially called on Election Night based on the number of registered voters. This could happen for local races, where the number of participating voters is far fewer than in the Presidential Race, for example.
The last day for counties to certify results is Dec. 5. The California Secretary of State will then have until Dec. 7 to certify the vote, with the Statement of Vote certified on Dec. 13.
California has the largest number of voters in the nation with more than 22 million registered voters, according to the Secretary of State's Office. This means there will likely be more ballots to be counted on election night compared to other states with a smaller population.
Here's what to know about Election Day in California.
What time do polls open and close on Election Day?
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, polls will open at 7 a.m. and typically close at 8 p.m. Some poll closing times may vary by location, so be sure to check local guidelines.
Remember, as long as you're in line by the time polls close on Election Day, you can still cast your ballot. Find a polling place near you HERE.
Where do I go to vote in California?
If you choose not to vote by mail, you can find your polling location through the California Secretary of State's Office website. Find a polling place HERE.
When will we know the election results?
On Election Night, county elections officials must begin reporting results to the Secretary of State's Office no more than two hours after they begin tallying votes after the polls close. County elections officials will continue to report results throughout Election Night until all precinct vote totals have been reported.
Given the volume of ballots anticipated and the process it takes to count votes, it is very possible the final results won't be known on election night.
What time will we start to see results on Election Night?
On Election Night, results in California typically start to trickle in around 8 p.m.
When will the results be final?
Voters in California will start to see results not long after 8 p.m., but these aren't the final results. Every number seen on election night and the days after are unofficial results.
While some elections might be called on election night, that's generally a projection from media outlets, experts or because a candidate conceded. Mail-in ballots, provisional ballots, ballots from registered voters in the military deployed overseas and more all get counted for the final result.
The last day for counties to certify results is Dec. 5. The California Secretary of State will then have until Dec. 7 to certify the vote, with the Statement of Vote certified on Dec. 13.
Watch more on ABC10 | Your election questions answered: Where can I vote?
