The United States is no stranger to close presidential races, but this year’s election may take longer than usual to yield a definitive result. In fact, political analysts at The American Prospect believe that a clear winner might not emerge until Friday. As anticipation builds, voters and observers alike are bracing for a multi-day wait—a scenario that has become familiar in recent elections.

Why Results May Be Delayed

The tighter the election, the longer it takes to tally and confirm results. Every single vote counts, and states are prepared to ensure that no stone is left unturned in determining the outcome. A narrow race demands meticulous accuracy, and in states with razor-thin margins, that means potentially long waits as every vote is scrutinized.

Adding to the complexity are the waves of ballots that aren’t immediately factored into initial election night totals. The American Prospect highlights that some ballots, like late-arriving mail-in votes or votes from overseas citizens, are still counted even if they arrive after Election Day itself. These ballots can make a significant difference in close races and often take additional time to process.

Lessons from 2020: A Preview of Election Week Uncertainty

For a glimpse of how a tight election can unfold, consider the 2020 race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Although Election Day fell on November 3, major swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin weren’t called until November 4. Pennsylvania and Nevada were even slower to declare, with results announced on November 7, ultimately giving Biden the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency. That election was officially called on a Saturday, well past the initial vote count.

This year, similar delays are possible, if not probable, especially as swing states battle it out. In 2020, for instance, Biden won Georgia by a mere 11,779 votes, amounting to a sliver-thin margin of 0.2%. In fact, Trump held the lead in Georgia for three days following Election Day, only for the final counts to tip the scales in Biden’s favor in the eleventh hour. This type of late-stage shift can create the post-election swings that leave everyone in suspense until the very end.

Post-Election Market Swings: What to Watch

As history suggests, delayed election results can also lead to heightened market volatility. Investors closely monitor election outcomes, and tight races—especially those that involve prolonged counting or recounts in battleground states—can create uncertainty in the financial markets. In 2020, the prolonged counting and eventual certification of results contributed to post-election fluctuations across stock indices and markets as investors waited on clear signals for the country’s political direction.

A Friday Result? Preparing for the Wait

So, if you’re watching the election returns this week, patience will be key. The need to count every vote accurately, alongside the influx of mail-in and overseas ballots, may keep Americans and markets on edge for several days after Election Day. Election results are as critical as they are intricate, and it’s increasingly common for final outcomes to unfold over several days.

As this week’s vote unfolds, brace for the possibility of yet another nail-biting post-Election Day experience. The extended wait may feel long, but it’s a testament to a rigorous voting process aimed at preserving the integrity of American democracy—right down to the very last vote.