Election Day Insights: How Votes Are Counted and Races Are Called

Mon Nov 03 2025 03:35:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Election Day unfolds, discover the behind-the-scenes process that determines winners across the U.S. from local races to major governorships.

On Election Day, AP conducts a meticulous analysis of votes to declare winners in races across the U.S. Their comprehensive approach includes gathering data from local election offices, continuous updates of results, and analyzing voting trends to ensure accurate outcomes. The process is crucial in bridging the gap between individual votes and official certainties, providing timely insights into who emerges victorious.

As the voting wraps up today across America, critical questions linger: Will Zohran Mamdani become the next mayor of New York City? Who might take the Governor's seat in New Jersey? And what about California's new congressional map?

The Associated Press steps in to answer these queries by tabulating and analyzing votes in hundreds of races nationwide, a practice it has upheld for nearly 180 years.

The process begins with collecting results directly from local election precincts where votes are counted. Reporters from the AP work with election officials to ensure timely updates—up to 21,000 updates per hour might occur in high-stakes situations.

In the voting analysis, AP takes into account uncounted ballots and where they come from, estimating turnout based on previous elections. This data contributes to deciphering early leads and whether they signify eventual victories or losses.

Races can often be determined long before all votes have been counted, with AP declaring winners based on what’s known, not on speculation. As we await these calls, it’s essential to understand the intricate web of data that sustains the electoral process, bridging the gap between democracy and its tangible outcomes.

Stay tuned as the results come in!