Up all night: A guide to watching the US presidential race from Czechia

Both Czechs and expats will be closely watching the presidential election results, as the outcome has global implications for the economy, trade, international security and relations, and more. With over 65 million Americans casting early or absentee ballots, this election promises to be closely contested.

While watch parties at the Globe Bookstore and Café and the American Center in Prague are currently at capacity, here's how to settle in for an evening of election thrills at home:

U.S. election coverage typically starts in the late afternoon or evening Central European Time (CET) because polls in the U. S. generally begin to close starting at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is midnight in CET.

The first exit polls will be released around 11 p.m. CET, providing early indicators of trends and demographic insights (education, gender, origin) among voters. Polling stations close between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. CET, starting with Kentucky and Indiana and ending with Alaska and Hawaii.

Swing state closures are staggered: Georgia closes at 1 a.m., North Carolina at 1:30 a.m., Pennsylvania at 2 a.m., Michigan between 2 and 3 a.m., Nevada at 4 a.m., and Arizona and Wisconsin at 3 a.m. CET. Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan may offer early clues as they count mail-in ballots before the polls close.

The results will largely hinge on seven swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These battlegrounds will decide the election, as outcomes in other states are largely predictable. Pennsylvania is particularly important, as it holds 19 electoral votes, the highest among the swing states.

Expect key results from Georgia by 4 a.m. CET, followed by North Carolina and Michigan. If Harris wins these states, Arizona’s outcome may be decisive. However, close races might trigger recounts, delaying final results, as happened in 2020, where only Arizona declared results on election night.

Both parties are ready for possible legal disputes, which could further delay results. In the polarized atmosphere, protests and challenges are possible.