Election results are the official count of ballots for an election. This process can take days (or even weeks) in some states as ballots are counted and verified to ensure that all eligible votes have been accounted for. It is critical that this process happens quickly and accurately to preserve public confidence in the electoral system.
The path towards official election results is complex, varies by state, and involves many different players. Election officials have a heavy workload while counting ballots, often in the face of media inquiries and preemptive claims of victory by candidates. Gaps in information while results trickle in can be filled with speculation and rumors, and can undermine trust in the electoral process.
In most states, vote counts begin with precinct-level data reported by each polling place after the close of polls. News outlets make projections on the outcome of races based on this data and other calculations. These predictions are then checked against the full results as they are released. This can occur for days or even weeks after Election Day and may include counting of mail ballots, military ballots, and provisional ballots.
If the margin between two candidates is within a certain threshold, election officials will recount some or all of the ballots that were cast. This is typically done by hand, or with a machine that reads the ballots again to verify that the first count was accurate. If the final result is the same as the initial one, the election will be certified. If it is not, a contest to the results can be filed by a candidate or party.
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