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Episode 2

Why Aren't Election Results Final on Election Night?

November 3, 2026 · 8 min

Election night offers a running picture, not the final official result. Learn how counting, canvassing, audits, recounts, projections and certification differ—and why totals can change as eligible ballots are included.Sources:https://www.eac.gov/voters/voter-faqshttps://www.eac.gov/election-officials/election-results-canvass-and-certificationhttps://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/electionofficials/postelection/Guide_to_Election_Certification_EAC.pdf

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Show notes

Election night offers a running picture, not the final official result. Learn how counting, canvassing, audits, recounts, projections and certification differ—and why totals can change as eligible ballots are included.


Sources:

https://www.eac.gov/voters/voter-faqs

https://www.eac.gov/election-officials/election-results-canvass-and-certification

https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/electionofficials/postelection/Guide_to_Election_Certification_EAC.pdf