When will the networks be able to call the election?

[Rdskns2000]

I know the networks have made an effort to wait until the polls close to call a state.

Here's a link to the poll closing times for each state on Election Day.

http://www.thegreenpapers.com/G08/closing.phtml?format=ec%20-%2038k


There are some that close before 8pm Eastern but alot close around 8pm and 9pm.


When will the networks be able to call the election?


I think they won't wait and call it like they use to back in the 80's. If it was a landslide win, you usually knew before 9pm. If they are confident in Obama's victory, I see the networks starting with NBC and MSBC to call victory for Obama shortly after 8pm. I see them calling the election before states that will close at 9pm Eastern. If Mccain pulls the highly unlikely upset, we will have to wait until the next day.

[TuckahoeSkin]

October 15th. You missed it.

[Heisenberg]

I think it will be closer than most are expecting.


I just have that feeling that I will be sitting nervously on my couch later than I want to be.

[SUSkinsFan]

I think we'll know by 11:18 PM

[Rdskns2000]

I think it will be closer than most are expecting.


I just have that feeling that I will be sitting nervously on my couch later than I want to be.

Nothing will ever be like 2000. I think I was up until 4am and I had to wake up at 7am that morning.

I think we could actually see Mccain give his Concession speech shortly after 9pm.

All you have to do is see what happens in VA,NC,FL. Mccain has to win those states and he loses one of them and it's basically over. Mccain will not be able to turn any blue state red and Obama could turn 9+ red states blue.

[Burgold]

I wish by law they wouldn't announce any results until at least Wed morning. I don't like the influence these announcements have. If we can respect Olympic coverage and not pre-announce medals at events we should be able to have an election blackout.

[SUSkinsFan]

I wish by law they wouldn't announce any results until at least Wed morning. I don't like the influence these announcements have. If we can respect Olympic coverage and not pre-announce medals at events we should be able to have an election blackout.Has anyone ever done a study to try and find what influence (if any) announcing results early has on voting in Western states?

[TuckahoeSkin]

i wish by law they wouldn't announce any results until at least wed morning. I don't like the influence these announcements have. If we can respect olympic coverage and not pre-announce medals at events we should be able to have an election blackout.

qft.

[Burgold]

Has anyone ever done a study to try and find what influence (if any) announcing results early has on voting in Western states?

I think they have... at least through exit polling and change in volume estimations, but it's a really hard thing to pinpoint.

[SUSkinsFan]

I think they have... at least through exit polling and change in volume estimations, but it's a really hard thing to pinpoint.I don't think it's as big a deal as you do, mainly because the big battleground states are all in the east. So I don't think CA voters knowing who wins VA, FL, PA, OH, NC etc will really affect anything.

[Larry]

I think they have... at least through exit polling and change in volume estimations, but it's a really hard thing to pinpoint.

Yeah, how do you prove that Joe the Plumber would have gone out and voted if he hadn't listened to the radio? He may say he would have voted. But seriously, if "Subject JP" says he stayed home because the Presidential race has been predicted a certain way, that how likely was he to vote, anyway?

Closest you can get is to survey how many people say it affected their vote. But, people lie about their voting.

[Hubbs]

Wouldn't be surprised if MSNBC called it with a bunch of confetti and party hats around 10 PM EST.