Some networks are planning on announcing the winner of the presidential election as early as 9 p.m. EST — two hours before polls close on the west coast.
Based on agreements made by the networks that are within the consortium that conducts exit polling, networks cannot announce winners for individual states before the state’s polls close, according to the Chicago Tribune. But they can announce the national winner before all polls close.
But if the 2000 election taught us anything about elections, it is that announcing results too early may have an effect on voter turnout. In Florida, networks began calling the state for then-Vice President Al Gore before all polls in the state had closed. Gore supporters have since said that this caused many to stay home, believing the election had already gone in their favor.
According to the Tribune, a similar situation could occur this year: “Such an announcement will lead to some potential voters leaving the polls before they cast their ballots and others to not come at all.”
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