Election Day 2024 Begins: First Polls Close in Indiana and Kentucky

The 2024 U.S. Election Day kicked off as polls began to close in the first two states, Indiana and Kentucky, shortly after 6 p.m. EST. While these initial results represent early signals in the race, attention remains high as voters across the country cast their ballots in one of the most closely watched elections in recent history.

In Indiana and Kentucky, only parts of each state have fully closed polling sites, with additional sections to follow at 7 p.m. EST. The early returns from these states mark the first official tallies in a night set to see high stakes and close contests across a range of local, state, and federal races.

The action will intensify after 7 p.m. EST when polls close in six additional states, including Georgia, a crucial battleground that played a key role in the previous two election cycles. Georgia’s results are especially anticipated, as the state has emerged as a central focus for both major political parties, who have directed significant resources to influence its outcome.

Key states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina will join the fray after 8 p.m. EST, further shaping the night’s electoral landscape. With voter turnout reported as robust across the nation, this evening’s returns will offer early indications of key trends but may take time to deliver a complete picture, particularly in close races where votes could be contested or require recounts.

Election analysts suggest that tonight’s results will provide initial insights into voter priorities, with top issues including the economy, healthcare, climate change, and national security. However, they caution that many tight races in critical swing states could extend late into the evening or even the following days as counting continues.