When it comes to election results, it’s normal for emotions to run high. Pundits will argue, and misinformation may spread. But, in fact, a little research and some self-care can help you stay balanced as results unfold.
Counting continues after polls close in every county and state, and news outlets report unofficial results based on their analysis of those counts. Those data sources include the number of voters reported to be eligible, the totals from early in-person and mail ballots, the percentages of precincts reporting results (which may not be accurate or complete), patterns from past elections, and more. Each news outlet develops a unique system to collect and interpret these data, but they all use similar information sources.
Once they’re confident enough in their analysis, news outlets make a “call” on who they predict the winner will be. But, no one–including the winners–knows for sure who won until all valid votes are counted and certified.
That process may take days or weeks after election day as ballot curing, provisional ballots and military/overseas ballots are processed and added to the official count. It is a long and careful process to ensure that all valid ballots are counted, and that the final outcome is correct. Only then can we say with confidence who won, and what their results mean for our country and its future.
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