Here's when past presidential elections were called

With Election Day less than two weeks away, the public has refocused their attention on some of the logistical aspects of the election, with many wondering when they can expect to know the winner – and whether they will know on election night.

The 2020 election was unprecedented in many ways, including that it took days to project the winner of the race. Experts tried to warn the public ahead of time not to expect results on election night, but it was not until Saturday morning that the Associated Press (AP) officially called the race.

In 2024, the race may not be immediately called since margins in key battleground states remain very close. There are new rules in place governing election counting procedures, and there has been a rise in the share of absentee and early voting.

Here’s a look back at when the presidential race results were determined in recent history.

2020

President Biden was projected the winner by the AP at 11:26 a.m. EST on Saturday, Nov. 7 — four days after Election Day.

2016

President Trump was projected the winner by the AP at 2:29 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 9 — the day after Election Day.

2012

President Obama was projected the winner by the AP at 11:38 p.m. EST on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6.

2008

President Obama was projected the winner around 11 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, according to The Guardian, which noted that Republican nominee John McCain conceded the race at 11:18 p.m. EST.

2004

Democratic challenger John Kerry called President George W. Bush shortly after 11 a.m. EST to concede, according to AP. 

2000

There was no call from the AP. Supreme Court ended the Florida recount vote in the White House race between George W. Bush and Al Gore on December 12, 2000. Gore conceded to Bush on December 13, 2000 after 36 days, according to CNN.

1996

President Clinton was projected the winner by AP at 9 p.m. EST on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, AP’s vice president told NPR in 2020.