How election results are reported, counted, and certified impacts how they are interpreted by voters and the media. The process is complex and involves a variety of officials, deadlines and players.
Counting of ballots starts on or before Election Day and continues through election night (in some states) and into the days immediately following. This includes counting in-person, absentee and early ballots. It also encompasses the initial reporting of unofficial results to local and state election offices, which aggregate data at the county level and, in the case of a Presidential election, to federal election officials. Once the process of ensuring that every valid vote is included is complete, results are then certified.
The final results determine the winners of electoral contests and are used as a basis for allocating seats in many election systems. Providing timely, accurate and comprehensive information about how ballots are cast and counted is a critical part of public confidence in elections.
In addition to polling data, other sources of information include news and analysis from trusted, independent organizations such as AP and Reuters. These resources can help counter the bandwagon and underdog effects that may be operative in close elections and reduce feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and instability.
Election polls are a useful tool for determining how voters might choose candidates in an election, but the interpretation of these results can vary widely depending on how the undecided vote is treated. How this group is weighted can dramatically alter the overall result and can create a false sense of certainty about the outcome.