The results that voters see reported on election night are only the beginning of a long and sometimes complicated process. Professional election administrators, volunteers and members of the public continue working after election day to finalize official results for each electoral contest. This work includes ensuring transparency and accountability by documenting chain of custody for ballots, following established procedures for observers and challenging ballots, and auditing results. The process may take days or even weeks, which can lead to frustration and confusion for voters and journalists.
It’s important to remember that there are many things that influence the outcome of an election, including the bandwagon effect and underdog effect. It’s also helpful to take a moment to assess your own needs and emotions during this time of anxiety. Some people find it helpful to allot a set amount of time for media coverage and social engagement and to seek help from professionals when needed.
Voters deposit completed (also called marked) ballots in a scanner or box at in-person polling places and mail-in ballots are counted at central locations. The ballots are then tabulated (also known as counted). Once all ballots have been tallied, they are certified (or verified) and the results are made public. This is referred to as the canvass, and it is only after this that we will know the official results of the election.
Some states require that a multi-member board, or an elected officials like the secretary of state or governor, certify election results. Other states rely on a single elected official, such as the mayor or county clerk, to certify results for local elections. In the case of a Federal election, certification is usually done by a group of electors chosen to represent their district in the Electoral College.
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