As Election Day draws to a close, we will learn the results of our votes. But it can take time to count all the ballots and finalize election results, especially in states with large populations or many electoral votes. And even after the final results are certified, there may be recounts and other post-election activities that impact election outcomes.
Election officials need to provide timely, accurate information to the public about where they are in the process of determining winners and how results are being determined. This information needs to be available at a granular level, including polling station and other aggregations.
Often, there are discrepancies between results reported on election night and the official, certified results that will be announced after a thorough election audit and review process called a canvass. The canvass involves checking for all ballots, including mail-in and absentee ballots, ensuring that all votes have been counted and there are no clerical errors in the final results. It also includes verifying the votes of all voters who voted by provisional ballot and counting those ballots. The exact steps vary from state to state.
One major factor that can make a difference in election polling results is how undecided voters are treated. Depending on how those votes are weighted, a poll might report a statistical tie, a Democratic victory or a Republican win. The sensitivity of undecided voters can also be an indicator of how the final election will turn out.
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