As Election Day approaches, many people experience a mix of excitement and apprehension. It’s natural to be eager to learn the results, but it’s crucial that these results are accurate when they are finally announced.
The Conversation U.S. has delved into several facets of the election process, particularly focusing on how votes are counted and reported. Here are some insights from those discussions:
1. How Long Did It Take to Count Votes in 2020?
In 2020, Election Day fell on November 3. While some results were available that night and the days following, it wasn’t until November 7 that The Associated Press officially declared Joe Biden the winner over Donald Trump.
The waiting period can be frustrating. Communication expert John M. Murphy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign noted that while anticipation can be challenging, it is essential for receiving trustworthy results. He cautioned against succumbing to personal biases, saying, “People often see what they want to see…partisans might crave that triumphant image of blue or red colors sweeping across the screens on election night.” However, he advised, “It’s important to discern reality from illusion—just wait until you know what’s true.”
Read more: A new president will be elected—but it might take time to determine the winner
2. Why Do Candidates’ Leads Shift as Results Come In?
Vote counting varies from state to state. In some states, like Colorado, election workers can start processing absentee ballots before Election Day, while in others, such as Illinois, counting can only begin once polling places close.
Moreover, different communities have their own reporting protocols. Some may release ongoing preliminary results, while others may choose to announce results only after counting is completely finished.
This variability leads to fluctuating vote counts: partial results are updated, and more counts are added to statewide totals. Political scientist Kristin Kanthak from the University of Pittsburgh reiterated in a 2020 article that these changes do not indicate a “rigged” system; rather, they highlight a process rich in transparency.
Read more: How votes are counted in Pennsylvania: Changing numbers indicate transparency, not fraud, during the count
3. How Do We Verify the Results Are Accurate?
Election officials take their roles seriously, diligently working to ensure all eligible votes are counted correctly despite the immense pressure they face. They adhere to strict regulations and procedures that govern how ballots are handled and votes are counted.
Derek Muller, a legal expert in election law from the University of Notre Dame, elaborated on these processes, emphasizing a commitment to verifiable facts over individual perceptions. He stated, “Certifying an election is a mundane task. It primarily involves ensuring all precincts have reported and that the arithmetic is correct. However, this task is vital as it establishes who has received the most votes.”
Read more: Local election officials cannot block certification of results—ample legal safeguards are in place
4. What Is the Origin of the Electoral College?
It’s important to note that the presidential candidate who shines in popular votes doesn’t always secure the presidency since the outcome is ultimately determined by the Electoral College.
According to Phillip VanFossen, a civics teacher at Purdue University, the concept was drafted during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The delegates proposed three models but ultimately could not reach consensus. To find a compromise, they appointed a group of 11 men who developed the Electoral College.
VanFossen explained, “This compromise aimed to prevent public ignorance or external influence from skewing the choice of a national leader, with the belief that electors would guarantee that only a competent individual would be appointed as president.”
Read more: The origin of the Electoral College
5. Why Does the U.S. Continue to Use the Electoral College?
While other countries initially drew inspiration from the U.S. Constitution, none have replicated the Electoral College, as noted by Joshua Holzer, a political scientist at Westminster College. He pointed out, “No other nation has been satisfied with their results, and except for the U.S., all have transitioned to alternative methods for leadership selection.”
In the U.S., public dissatisfaction with the Electoral College remains prevalent. Holzer mentioned ongoing efforts to replace it without formally amending the Constitution. However, even such initiatives would not guarantee that the elected president would enjoy the support of a majority of those who cast their ballots.
Read more: No nation still employs an Electoral College—except for the U.S.
In summary, as we approach another election, understanding the complexities of the voting process can help manage expectations and capture the essence of democracy in action.