U.S. Election Rhythm and Subsequent Impacts Analysis

In the coming week, there is no doubt that global attention will focus on the U.S. elections. Therefore, I took some time to carefully outline the upcoming timelines and core highlights, as well as to look ahead at the subsequent impacts.

As the U.S. presidential election nears its climax, the announcement of election results will begin on November 5, U.S. time. Due to different state policies regarding ballot processing, counting rules, and mail-in ballots, there are discrepancies in the timing of result announcements. Most swing states will begin voting at 6 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. After voting ends, the counting process begins.

However, due to different state policies, the timing of result announcements varies. Here’s a summary of some key states where results are often announced later:

California allows a longer mail-in ballot receipt period. Mail-in ballots only need to be postmarked on Election Day and arrive by a specified date to be counted. Additionally, due to the state's large population and extended counting time, it is often one of the last states to announce complete results.

Pennsylvania typically begins processing mail-in ballots only on Election Day, which slows down the counting process, especially in years with a high number of mail-in ballots. As a key swing state, the vote count in Pennsylvania is usually closely watched, but the counting process is relatively delayed. Therefore, final results are announced several days after Election Day.

Michigan and Wisconsin also process mail-in ballots only on Election Day, and as swing states, close vote margins can lead to longer counting times to ensure accuracy. Typically, ballot processing is completed by the evening of the following day.

Nevada allows mail-in ballots to arrive several days after Election Day, so results may be delayed for a few days, especially in election years with a high volume of ballots.

North Carolina allows mail-in ballots to be received up to 9 days after Election Day, as long as they are postmarked before or on Election Day. This often delays the announcement of final results, which typically occurs a week later.

You may notice that aside from California, which is a stronghold for the Democratic Party, most are swing states, with Pennsylvania being a key battleground state. Therefore, the entire game surrounding the election will reach a climax a few days after the popular vote concludes.

In addition to the presidential election, the results of the U.S. House of Representatives elections are equally important. We know that in the U.S. federal government, the president, the Senate, and the House of Representatives together form the core structure of the separation of powers. The president holds executive power, while the Senate and the House (collectively known as Congress) share legislative power. These three branches are both independent and closely related to achieve checks and balances. The House of Representatives is the lower house of Congress and has the following main powers:

To propose, discuss, and pass bills (including bills related to taxation and government spending). After a bill is passed by the House of Representatives, it is sent to the Senate for further discussion and approval. If the Senate passes the bill with any amendments, it is returned to the House of Representatives for a second vote. Only after both houses pass the same bill can it be submitted to the president for approval and enactment.

To conduct investigations and exercise oversight functions over various government departments and agencies. The House of Representatives has the power to conduct investigations and hearings on any matter within its jurisdiction. Through this power, the House of Representatives can supervise and oversee the work of various government departments and agencies, including the executive branch. For example, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has broad oversight authority over federal agencies and programs.

To conduct impeachment proceedings against the president, vice president, or other federal officials. The House of Representatives has the sole power to initiate impeachment proceedings against the president, vice president, or other federal officials for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." If a majority of the House of Representatives votes to impeach an official, the case is then referred to the Senate for a trial. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to convict and remove the official from office.

Therefore, it can be said that the distribution of the House determines the difficulty for the president to implement his economic policies. A president whose party does not hold a majority in the House is often referred to as a "minority president," making it generally very difficult to push through legislation. The House elections are held every two years, and in election years, the House elections and presidential elections are usually held on the same day, typically on the first Tuesday of November in even-numbered years. On this day, voters will cast their votes for the president and all 435 House seats. Thus, the results of the two elections are usually announced in a similar timeframe, although the specific order may vary. However, generally speaking, due to smaller House districts, the counting of ballots is faster, so the results are usually available earlier.

In previous articles, we have analyzed the economic policies of both parties. Here, I will briefly review them. The Democratic Party, represented