What to know before going to vote, judge rules Musk's $1M giveaway can continue, Tropical Storm Rafael forms in Caribbean

Good morning, all. It’s Jess. Having an election night watch party? Try one of these patriotic cocktail recipes. Now, on to the news.

Subscribe to get this newsletter in your inbox each morning.

NEED TO KNOW

Your Election Day questions, answered

It’s Election Day. Millions of voters across the U.S. will head to the polls and make their pick for the next president. Here’s what to expect as the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris ends.

Voting FAQs: First things first, double check your polling place and if your state requires ID. From there: Read the rules on taking selfies at the polls, whether you’re allowed to wear political swag and if you can bring your kids. [Yahoo News]

When polls close: Polls will begin closing at 6 p.m. ET through 12 a.m. ET. All eyes will be on seven swing states — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin — which are likely to decide the election. [Yahoo News]

Waiting for results: Patience is key. The race is historically close, so it may take days to determine who won. “When the margins get tighter, it takes more ballots to count until we can call a race,” said David Becker of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research. [Yahoo News]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

??? The final rallies

Harris was in Philadelphia where, without naming Trump, she urged voters to finish “with optimism, with energy, with joy.” In Michigan, Trump called Harris a “radical left lunatic” and vowed tariffs on cars made in Mexico. [The Hill]

?? Tropical Storm Rafael

Tropical Storm Rafael formed in the Caribbean. It's expected to become a hurricane and could produce heavy rains in the Southeast later this week. Forecasters said it’s still too early to predict how it’ll impact the Gulf Coast. [NBC News]

?? Chiefs' close call

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs after Bucs head coach Todd Bowles decided to forgo a potentially game-winning 2-point conversion in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The Chiefs remain undefeated. [CNN]

??? Musks's $1M giveaway

A Pennsylvania judge ruled that Elon Musk's $1 million-a-day giveaway in swing states can continue through the election today. Musk’s lawyers said the winners were paid spokespeople and not chosen by chance. [AP]

?? 'Outer Banks' final season

Netflix announced that the hit drama Outer Banks has been renewed for a fifth and final season. The update comes ahead of the premiere of Season 4, Part 2 on Thursday. [Entertainment Weekly]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

??? Get election updates by following the Yahoo News live blog, and check out what NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and other news stations have planned for tonight. [Yahoo News/USA Today]

?? In hockey, the Canucks take on the Ducks for the first time this season at 10 p.m. ET. on ESPN+. [Hockey News]

?? Jon Stewart hosts a live, hour-long election night special of The Daily Show at 11 p.m. ET on Comedy Central. [Hollywood Reporter]

?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1994, professional boxer George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight boxing champion at 45 after knocking out Michael Moorer in the 10th round. [AP]

3 QUESTIONS

...about today's ballots

It’s a big day for Trump and Harris, but there are many other important races and initiatives that people will be voting for. Anthony asked Yahoo News reporter Kate Murphy about them.

Anthony: What are the congressional and downballot races I should pay attention to?

Kate: Where do I begin? Dems have a thin majority in the Senate, and I’ll be watching the Montana and Ohio races, where Republicans are looking for wins. In the GOP-controlled House, Democrats hope to flip power by picking up more seats in California and New York.

Anthony: What are the initiatives that’ll appear on ballots today?

Kate: There are nearly 150, but abortion-related measures are among the biggest ones you’ll see on ballots today. My guide digs into the 10 states that’ll have them.

Anthony: What are some of the others?

Kate: Many people will see ballot measures related to legalizing marijuana use, as well as protecting LGBTQ+ issues — all at the state level. It’s a lot, so I recommend using this sample ballot tool to see what’s on your ballot before heading to the polls.

Stay updated: Subscribe to get breaking news in your inbox.

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

After tiring of dating apps, Alex Neff gave her dad permission to post her “dating resume” to his LinkedIn profile. More than 2,000 people viewed the post, which netted Alex a few dates — though she’s still looking for the man of her dreams [People]

Have a wonderful day. See you tomorrow!

?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Waking up can be more difficult with darker days. Changing your alarm to a fun tune is one of a few ways to feel more alert. [Yahoo Life]

About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.

Start your day with The Yodel to get caught up on weather, national news, politics, entertainment and sports — in four minutes or less.