In 2024, Americans took part in one of the most closely watched and controversial elections in recent history. The 2024 cycle also saw high voter turnout, reflecting a deep public interest in the issues that voters care about and a desire to shape their futures. The voting and ballot counting processes also went smoothly overall.
Election results are the final determination of who won a particular race, either at the local or national level. They are based on the unified ballot counting process that counts all ballots, including those cast in-person or absentee and those yet to be counted. This process includes examining the votes for each candidate to make sure the results accurately reflect the preferences, interests, and attitudes of the people who voted.
The official federal election results that voters see reported in media reports or released by state and territorial election officials are never completely finalized on election night. This is partly due to the “bandwagon” and “underdog” effects that are operative during the campaign, but it is also because the initial totals that are reported by media or election administration authorities do not include all ballots submitted by voters and have not been subjected to a formal canvassing process.
When the final certified election results do come in, some candidates may contest them or request a recount. Recounts involve a review of the count, typically by re-scanning or hand-counting ballots, to verify that the final certification is accurate. The timing of recounts varies by state, and the statutes that regulate them often set very short deadlines.