Its 7:14 PM EST How can they report election results before all the polls are closed

[detroiter62]

Did they ever report election results before all the polls are closed before ? I thought they had to wait until all the polls are closed on west coast

[MichiganMan]

The networks can report on the winners/losers in each state after that state's polls close. Here in Michigan, a winner can't be called until 9:00 because of the western UP. The networks will not declare a national winner until the polls close out there. They will still give you the electoral college predictions, they just won't declare a national winner.

[401don]

Not sure any of those old rules apply any more with the internet blogs, tweeting, etc. putting everything out there in real time.

[gazhekwe]

I think they were not going to call until after the California polls close [[What about Alaska and Hawaii?) at 11 EST.

[DetroitPlanner]

Alaska and Hawaii don't have jack for votes. With the electoral college it would be something where one of those two would be deciders.