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5 Things To Know On Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Posted at 7:08 AM, Nov 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-04 07:08:22-05

While you were sleeping, we compiled the biggest stories of the day in one place. Each story has a quick and easy summary, so you're prepared for whatever the day brings. Just click on the links if you want to know more!

1. Starting with what we don't know: Who won the presidential election
The polls have been closed throughout the U.S. for several hours, and the outcome of the presidential election remains in doubt — for now.

As it stands, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has a slight advantage over President Donald Trump in electoral college votes, but several key swing states have yet to be called.

Just as it did in 2016, the outcome of the race will likely hinge on the results of three states — Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. As of now, the race in all three states is too close to call.

How the vote stands Wednesday morning

2. How the candidates have reacted so far:
President Trump falsely declared victory as votes are being counted in key states. He said he believes that the election is being stolen, but there is no evidence at this time of any widespread election or voting fraud.

Former Vice President Joe Biden told supporters Tuesday night to "keep the faith" and have patience, as results trickle in from around the country.

It is possible Trump ends up winning as he is leading in the key states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. But Biden has done well in mail-in voting, and all three states still have a large number of mail-in votes to process. That is why those states have yet to be given an official projection by media outlets.

How the candidates reacted Tuesday night

3. What we do know: Who won in Florida
President Donald Trump won Florida. Trump adopted Florida as his new home state, wooed its Latino community, particularly Cuban-Americans, and held many rallies there over the past few weeks.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Mast has declared victory over Democrat Pam Keith for Florida's District 18 Congressional seat.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Florida, has won re-election in District 21, defeating Laura Loomer.

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast declares victory over Pam Keith for District 18 seat

4. What we do know: What won in Florida
Four of the six constitutional amendments that were on the Florida ballot passed Tuesday night. Those were Amendments 1, 2, 5 and 6.

Amendment One will change the words "every citizen" to "only a citizen" for those who can vote as outlined in in Article VI, Section II of the Florida constitution. Amendment Two will raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next six years.

Amendments Five and Six both pertain to real estate. Amendment 5 increases homestead exemption from two years to three years. Amendment 6 provides that Florida's homestead property tax discount for certain veterans with permanent combat-related disabilities carries over to the veteran's surviving spouse.

Amendments 1, 2, 5 and 6 pass on Florida ballot

5. What won across the country: Marijuana, mushrooms, heroin and cocaine
Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota have approved legalizing marijuana, and two others had it on their ballot but election results are not in yet.

The state of Oregon became the first in the nation to decriminalize small amounts of hard drugs like heroin and cocaine by overwhelmingly passing Measure 110.

In addition to decriminalizing hard drug use, Oregon also legalized the sale and recreational use of Psilocybin, or magic mushrooms.

Today's Forecast
South Florida under Eta's cone of uncertainty.

Latest Weather Forecast: Wednesday 5 a.m.

Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.

On This Day In History
Happy Anniversary, Abe! On November 4, 1842, struggling lawyer Abraham Lincoln marries Mary Anne Todd, a Kentucky native, at her sister’s home in Springfield, Illinois.

Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m. And you can always watch the latest news from WPTV anytime on your favorite streaming device. Just search for "WPTV."