Federal Election Results: Frequently Asked Questions (CRS Report for Congress)
Premium Purchase PDF for $24.95 (14 pages)
add to cart or
subscribe for unlimited access
Pro Premium subscribers have free access to our full library of CRS reports.
Subscribe today, or
request a demo to learn more.
| Release Date |
Revised Oct. 3, 2024 |
| Report Number |
R46565 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Sarah J. Eckman; R. Sam Garrett; Karen L. Shanton |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
-
Premium Revised Oct. 27, 2022 (13 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Oct. 8, 2020 (17 pages, $24.95)
add
|
Summary:
States, territories, and the District of Columbia (DC) administer federal elections. Each of these
jurisdictions has its own process for counting votes and declaring election winners, though all
follow similar steps. These processes have drawn renewed congressional and public attention
during recent election cycles.
The results that voters see reported on election night are the culmination of several steps in the
election administration process, but are not the end of that process. Finalizing federal election
results typically can occur days or weeks after election day. Among other steps, state, territorial,
and local election officials canvass votes to ensure that ballots are valid and counted correctly.
Election observers, audits, and other processes are designed to help ensure transparency and
accuracy.
This updated report addresses frequently asked questions on these and related subjects. The
discussion emphasizes the period between the time a voter casts a ballot and when states,
territories, and DC finalize, or certify, the results.
