US Elections: Why the winner declared on Election Day may not be the next US President
presidential election process, the outcome on counting day is not immediately final, although it is a critical step in the electoral process. The popular vote, the outcome of Election Day, and the Electoral College vote are two distinct mechanisms that determine the outcome of the election.
Here’s an overview of what happens after Election Day and how the final outcome is determined...
On Election Day, November 5, 2024, voters across the United States will cast their ballots for President, Vice President, and various other offices. After polls close, election officials begin counting the votes. This process involves tallying in-person votes, mail-in ballots, and any early votes that were cast prior to Election Day.
Certification of Results
State-Level Certification
The initial vote counts are reported on Election Day, but these numbers are unofficial until they are certified by the relevant state authorities. Each state has its own process and timeline for certifying election results.
Typically, this involves reviewing and verifying the vote totals, including checking for any errors or discrepancies. States usually have a few weeks to complete this process, and they must certify their results before the Electoral College meets.
Contests and Recounts
If the vote margin between candidates is very narrow, there may be automatic recounts triggered by state law, or candidates may request a recount. Recounts are conducted to ensure accuracy and may adjust the preliminary vote totals. However, recounts do not usually
