Whether in the United States or around the world, election results shape the future. In the United States, for example, just a handful of votes can help determine the country’s course on economic issues, foreign and domestic affairs, whether Americans have access to health care and education, and much more.
The final results of an election are only known when all ballots have been counted and verified. This process often goes on for days or even weeks after Election Day to ensure that all ballots are securely and accurately counted. This includes mail-in, military and provisional ballots. News outlets check their projections against the full results once they become available.
A number of factors can impact the final outcome of an election, including how many ballots remain to be counted, the percentage of precincts that have reported their results, and how fast or slow a state’s counting processes are. It is important to note that the final result for a race is only considered official when it is certified by local and state election officials.
When voters feel disappointed with the final results of an election, they may be more likely to express anger over political meddling and the lack of integrity in the electoral process, as well as to be concerned about how their children are being raised. This can have negative effects on democracy and society at large. Encourage students to take action close to home by volunteering or fundraising for a candidate or nonprofit organization that aligns with their values.
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