When election officials report results in an open and transparent manner, representatives of political parties, candidates, civic organizations, and the media can verify that the official result reflects the will of the voters. In addition, the process of verification can help ensure that ballots have been counted correctly and all required processes are followed. This updated report addresses frequently asked questions about this important step in the electoral cycle.
While much attention has been focused on who will be the next president, the elections also determine how the nation is governed and the balance of power in Congress. The outcome of the elections could have significant implications for policy and international relations.
The economy appears to be a major driver of voters’ decisions, according to an analysis by University of Virginia political experts. Those experts noted that working-class voters with family responsibilities and mortgages were particularly dissatisfied with the state of the economy. They voted for candidates who promise to address their concerns and create more opportunities. This demographic is a growing part of the Republican Party and helped propel Trump to victory.
Vote counting continues after polls close, with election workers tasked with ensuring every ballot is securely and accurately counted. News outlets continue to provide updates on how vote counts are progressing, but it is important for voters to remember that nothing is final until all votes have been counted and certified. As we know, it can take days or weeks to complete the process of reporting results in some states, including military and mail ballots.
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