Election results summarize the votes cast in an election, including how many Electoral College votes each candidate received. They are important to the democratic process because they tell us which political parties and candidates receive the most votes, and which ones have won or lost in an election. They also help inform the public about the different viewpoints of voters, which may lead to more informed debate and policy decisions in the future.
Election officials make their results available to the public as soon as possible after polls close. This data includes exit polls, the number of early in-person and mail ballots that are returned before Election Day, and the number of ballots counted after polls close (known as a 100 percent precinct report). News outlets use this information to help make projections about the outcome of an election.
Observers watch the process of counting ballots, and some states allow observers to participate in the entire or partial counting of votes. This is known as a “full disclosure” election. This method of election reporting is intended to build confidence in the accuracy of results. It is not a substitute for official election results, which are certified by state election offices following a thorough ballot count and canvass process.
If the margin of victory in a race is extremely close, some states might hold a recount. During a recount, ballots are examined by hand or machine one at a time to determine which candidate a voter intended to support. A recount can also be used to find any errors in the first count of votes.
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