Guide to Election Night

6 PM EST- Polls close in portions of Indiana and Kentucky Traditionally, these are the first states giving Republicans a quick 19 points in the Electoral College. This year, however Indiana is far more competitive than usual. While the Obama campaign has 42 field offices open there, McCain neglected the state entirely until recently.

7 PM EST- Polls close in Virginia and Georgia, as well as most of Florida and most of New Hampshire Virginia is an important state to watch for both candidates. If John McCain loses it, his path to victory will be tough, while Obama has more ways to win without Virginia. Georgia and New Hampshire are a bit less essential electorally, but can give insight as to how accurate the polls were this election.

7:30 PM EST- Polls close in Ohio and North Carolina Early voting plays a big role in these states. More than twice as many people have voted early in North Carolina as did in 2004, and nearly three times as many in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Ohio.

8 PM EST- Polls close in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Missouri Pennsylvania in particular is the one to watch. If Obama gets Pennsylvania, then winning any red state (Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Colorado, Missouri) will help secure Barack's victory.

9 PM EST- Polls close in Colorado, New Mexico, Wisconsin and Minnesota Wisconsin and Minnesota should be called fairly quickly for Obama. Colorado is another important state to watch out for alongside Pennsylvania and Virginia.

10 PM EST- Polls close in Nevada, Iowa, Montana and New York The key area to watch in Nevada is Washoe County (Reno), where Obama’s campaign has registered thousands of new voters, but which John Kerry lost by 4 points in 2004.

11 PM EST- Polls close in California, Oregon and Washington Although none of these states are big players in the presidential contest this year, it could have a potential impact on California's Proposition 8, which calls out same-sex marriage.