Fed-up of waiting for the results? Here are nine US Election facts to keep you entertained.
1. Presidents almost always serve there two terms consecutively
However, there is one exception – Grover Cleveland. Mr Cleveland served two terms, one from 1885-1889, and a second from 1893-1897. The anomaly means he is counted as both the 22nd and 24th US President. That means whoever wins tonight – despite being counted as the 45th President – will technically only be the 44th individual to hold the office.
2. Whoever wins tonight will live and work in the world-famous White House
However, that was not the case between 1812 and 1817, after British troops ransacked it and burnt it down during the war of 1812. The carnage forced President Madison to stay elsewhere in the city, until President Munroe returned to the White House after its reconstruction in 1817. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair gave a tongue-in-cheek apology for the raid when making a speech to Congress.
3. A candidate does not have to win the popular vote to become President, although they normally do
George W. Bush was a famous exception in 2000, while it is also argued by some that John F. Kennedy lost the popular vote in 1960. Three other Presidents – all from the 19th century – were elected without winning the popular vote. Given the unpopularity of both candidates, tonight’s result could also lead to a victory without majority support.
4. The South was not always a Republican heartland
In fact, it used to be solidly Democrat. That only changed in the 1960s following Democrat President Lyndon B. Johnson’s policy of ‘the Big Society’. Southerners did not like LBJ’s inclusive policies, however, and have punished his party every since.
5. US elections are the most expensive in the world
Hillary Clinton has raised over $1billion for her campaign, Donald Trump over $500million. President Obama also raised over $1billion for his 2012.
6. Much of that cash goes on TV adverts, which are allowed in US elections, unlike British ones
One of the most infamous – and effective – was run by supporters of Republican George H.W. Bush. The advert featured a killer who his Democrat rival, Dukakis, had let out on weekend release while governor of Massachusetts. The convict, Willie Horton, attacked a woman during his temporary time outside prison. George H.W. Bush – who would go on to win the 1988 election – successfully used the advert to persuade Americans his opponent was soft on crime.
7. If she wins, Hilary Clinton will be the first woman elected President of the United States
She has already made history, however, by being the first woman nominated by either the Democrats or the Republicans.
8. If he wins, Donald Trump will be the oldest and second tallest person (after the 6ft4 Abraham Lincoln) to be elected to a first-term in the White House
The tycoon stands at 6ft3 and is aged 70.
9. In contrast to British politics, the Republicans are represented by R ed, the Democrats Blue.
Donald Trump’s party’s emblem is the Elephant. Hilary Clinton’s party’s symbol is the Donkey.