Tuesday 10.40pm

The first exit polls will indicate what has motivated voters. If, in every state, people are saying the economy has brought them out to vote, that might look good for Trump. If a large number bring up abortion rights, it could be Harris. CP

Wednesday 12.30am

North Carolina voted Republican in 2016 and 2020. Until Harris entered the race, it wasn’t talked of as a battleground state, but she has made up significant ground. SS

1am

Polls close in Pennsylvania, which has 19 electoral college votes — the biggest jewel in the battleground crown, as a candidate needs 270 to win. Michigan and Wisconsin close around this time, too — they’re all part of the “blue wall”, states Democrats believe they must win. Joe Biden won all three in 2020 and they’re hoping Harris can keep them. SS

2am

Arizona is particularly close: it is one of the states with an issue related to abortion on the ballot paper. By this point, we’ll know the trends. If you need a break, come back at 6am… CP

6am

The last polls close in Alaska. In 2016 Hillary Clinton made her concession speech, and Trump his victory speech, around this time, but in 2020 it was over three days before Biden was declared winner [by CNN]. CP

9am

We’re on air until 9am but if there’s still no result, we’ll tag team until we get one. It’s very normal for both parties to challenge results and it can take weeks, as it did in 2000. CP