As election results roll in, voters are likely to be grappling with a range of emotions. Regardless of who wins, people may be wondering what the results mean for their values and communities. For some, these questions could prompt thoughts of anxiety or fear about the future of the country. Experts say there are ways to manage these feelings.
After polls close on Election Day, election workers begin the process of counting votes to determine results. Depending on the state, the count may take days or even weeks to complete. During this time, news outlets collect data and make predictions about the winner of a race. This prediction is called a call, and it is based on calculations from a variety of sources. News outlets update their projections as additional data becomes available.
News outlets also verify their predictions against the official results as they are released. This helps them understand how well their statistical models worked and can help them refine their model for the next election.
Every state has a process for certifying and releasing the official results of an election. This process is called a canvass and typically includes adding in-person, absentee and mail-in ballots that were received after Election Day. The canvass process can take days or weeks, and it is not unusual for there to be a recount in close races. The number of ballots that must be reviewed to determine a winner differs by state, but in general there must be a 5% margin of error or greater for a recount to be possible.