How To Watch The US Presidential Election Unfold From Anywhere In Canada

As our southern neighbours head to the polls, here’s exactly what you need to know if you want to watch the U.S. election in Canada.

Starting on November 3, news networks across the globe will be sharing news, updates and predictions as the United States prepares to appoint their president.

With so much coverage taking place, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if you’re looking for a Canadian perspective.

Fortunately, we've got you covered.

Here's exactly what you need to know ahead of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

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When is the U.S. election?

Election Day 2020 in America will be on Tuesday, November 3.

Coverage of the event will be held throughout the day and into the evening, as votes begin to be counted and as predictions and results roll in.

The first polls opened at 5:00 a.m. EST in Vermont and the last (in Alaska) will remain open until 1:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday.

Per BBC News, almost 100 million people have already cast their votes.

Current U.S. president, Donald Trump, is running for reelection against his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden.

As of Election Day, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had not revealed his preferred candidate.

Where can I watch the U.S. election in Canada?

Many of Canada’s news networks will have live coverage of the event online, with most beginning on Tuesday evening.

If you want to watch the results on television, CBC News Network’s broadcast will begin at 5:00 p.m. EST and continue through until the early hours of Wednesday morning. 

CTV News and Global News are also offering rolling coverage.

Some Canadians even have plans to gather virtually for Canada-wide Zoom watch parties.

If you’re more interested in an American perspective, major U.S. networks like MSNBC, ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, Fox News and more will be reporting throughout the day, night, and into the early hours. 

C-SPAN will also be live-streaming from 9:00 p.m. EST.

When will the U.S. election results be announced?

While a result could be clear within a number of hours, it may also take several days for every vote to be formally counted.

Back in 2016, Trump delivered his victory speech at around 3:00 a.m. local time.

However, experts are suggesting that things could be a little different this year, due to a possible late-surge in mail-in votes.

This means it could take days, or longer, to get an official result.

In 2000, it took a whole month for U.S. President George W. Bush to be confirmed as the election winner.