Why is the Outcome of the U.S. Presidential Election Delayed?

As of Wednesday morning, the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is still undecided, with potential vote recounts possibly extending the uncertainty. Who do you think will ultimately win?
Un suspense insoutenable
The sun rose on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, yet the outcome of the U.S. presidential election remains shrouded in uncertainty. Will it be Donald Trump or Kamala Harris? With vote recounts likely, the wait continues.
The Intricacies of the American Voting System
The American voting system, complicated by its adaptation to six time zones, doesn’t tally all votes simultaneously. For instance, as of this Wednesday morning, votes from Hawaii, Alaska, and mail-in ballots are still being counted. Typically, the president-elect is known by 11 PM EST.
Inevitable Vote Recount
This year, only early estimates are available, and given the tight polls, a recount appears inevitable. Legal challenges from the Republican side may further delay the democratic process.
When Will the Final Results Be Known?
The exact date for the final results remains uncertain. According to Kamala Harris’s team, it might take several days. December 17, 2024, is crucial, as it is the meeting date for the 538 electors, with all legal challenges expected to be resolved by then. The final vote certification in Congress is scheduled for January 6, 2025. Thus, we may need to wait days or even weeks to learn the election’s outcome.