The 2024 US election is shaping up to be one of the closest in memory, and many countries around the world, including Australia, are watching with great anticipation. Indeed, since Donald Trump emerged as a presidential force, it sometimes feels like US politics has received as much media coverage in Australia as our own leaders.
This means the 2024 election will be easy to follow on live TV and online news streams. In-person election observation parties will also be held across Australia.
If you’re in Australia, here’s everything you need to know about the election.
Are American elections always held on Australian time?
The presidential election will be held in the US on Tuesday 5 November, meaning most elections in Australia will be held on Wednesday 6 November.
What time and day does voting close in Australia?
Voting deadlines in eastern states begin Tuesday at 6pm ET. It will take place on Wednesday at 10am AEDT in Australia, 9am in Queensland, 9.30am in South Australia and 7am in Western Australia.
By 8 p.m. ET, polls are expected to be fully closed in more than 20 states, including the battleground state of Pennsylvania. It will be midday AEDT on Wednesday in Australia, 11am in Queensland, 11.30am in SA and 9am in WA.
Voting ends in Michigan and Wisconsin (two other key states) by 9pm ET, while in Australia it closes at 1pm AEDT on Wednesday, in Queensland at 12pm and in SA at 12pm. 1:30 p.m., which would be 10 a.m. in Washington state.
Voting closes in the westernmost states of Hawaii and Alaska at 12am ET, while voting closes in Australia at 4pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, Queensland at 3pm, SA at 3.30pm, and Washington. The state will have a 1 p.m.
When will election results be announced?
By the time voting ends in Hawaii and Alaska, we’ll probably have a good idea who will be president. This comes hours after vote counting began in key eastern states.
The world may have to wait a little longer to hear the final decision, especially given the close calls in some opinion polls.
In 2020, the Associated Press did not declare Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election until 11:26 a.m. ET on November 7, four days after the first round of voting closed. And in 2016, it took until 2:29 a.m. ET the morning after Election Day for Trump to be declared the winner.
If the winner is announced in a similar time frame to 2016, it will be on Wednesday night in Australia at approximately 7pm AEDT, in Queensland at approximately 6pm, in SA at 6:30pm and in WA at pm It will be around 4 o’clock.
Which TV channels in Australia broadcast live coverage?
All free-to-air TV stations will be broadcast sequentially. ABC, Channel 10, Nine and SBS all begin broadcasting on Wednesday at 10am AEDT or shortly thereafter. Channel Seven’s broadcast begins at 11:30am.
SBS broadcasts also include coverage from US broadcaster PBS.
Coverage continues throughout the day, with Australian channels broadcasting local breaking news and evening programs at various times.
What about online news coverage?
The Guardian has extensive bureaus in newsrooms across the United States and around the world, allowing us to organize a wide range of information.
sign up for The Stakes — US Election Edition
The Guardian guides you through the turmoil of a presidential election with huge consequences.
Privacy Notice: Newsletters may include information about charities, online advertising, and content sponsored by external parties. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and are subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
After newsletter promotion
In addition to continuing our extensive US election coverage, including a live results tracker, we will run a live blog covering the election throughout the day.
Where are US Election Observation Parties held in my city?
adelaide
brisbane
Democrats Abroad, the official organization of the Democratic Party, will host a party at the Pig and Whistle starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Canberra
melbourne
AmCham, Australia’s American Chamber of Commerce, will hold a watch party at the Hawthorn Hotel on Wednesday from 2pm. The party will feature live coverage of NBC’s election coverage. This is a paid, ticketed event.
Democrats Abroad will hold a party at the Belgrave Hotel from 10am on Wednesday.
perspective
sydney
A “Trump Election Watch Party” will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Sanctuary Hotel on Kent Street.
Democrats Abroad will hold a party at the Kent Street Hotel starting at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Read more about the 2024 US presidential election:
