The results that we see reported in media reports or the totals that election jurisdictions release on election night are unofficial. This means that they have not gone through the canvassing process, and they may change. This is normal and expected. The final results that will be certified by election officials are the official, “certified,” results.
The process of counting ballots begins long before and continues into the day after election day, with many steps to ensure a complete and accurate count. While the process can be lengthy, it is critical to voters’ faith in our elections. Gaps in information while these results trickle in can be filled with speculation and preemptive claims of victory, a dynamic that can undermine trust in the electoral process.
This election season saw record turnout in the United States, and our research found that a large majority of Americans believe that the process of determining winners is fair. Nevertheless, the gap between those who feel that their candidate won or lost was larger than in past elections. During this time of uncertainty, it is crucial that elections administrators and the media work together to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
Elections officials should be transparent about their process and communicate clearly to the public. This includes providing detailed information about the number of outstanding ballots by type, including those received by mail. This can help avoid misinformation and false assertions of tampering or fraud.