An Hour-By-Hour Guide To Election Night

knitmeapony:

Or: when to start paying attention again.  

I recommend you read it all for local race thoughts, but nationally here are the highlights:

7PM ET/ 4PM PT

Florida polls close in EST: If they call Florida for Clinton, that will likely be the ballgame, but not everything’s closed so don’t get too excited.

Virginia polls closed: This one’s a must-win for Clinton.

7:30 ET/ 4:30 PGT

Ohio closed: Must-win for Trump

8 ET/ 5 PT

Florida polls closed: Once again, if Florida is solidly Clinton, Trump needs a miracle to get there.

Michigan mostly closed: A good bellweather for unexpected right-shifts – if Trump picks it up it’s not the end, but it’s not a great sign.

Illinois closed: It’s not hugely important, nationally, but I look forward to never having to see Mark Kirk’s face again.

Pennsylvania: Must-win for Clinton.

9 ET/ 6 PT

Arizona: Best chance for Clinton to get a state that Obama did not – great sign if she does.

Wisconsin: Another bellweather for right-shifts.  Fingers crossed on the senate race, too.

10 ET/ 7 PT

Nevada: As swing-y as Florida, this year.  If Clinton wins, her path is much easier.

11 ET/ 8 PT

THIS IS WHEN THEY MIGHT CALL THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE RELIABLY FOR THE FIRST TIME.

California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington: If the Dems carry the day in all four, and there were no surprises previously, it will likely be called for Clinton at this point.

An Hour-By-Hour Guide To Election Night