In the United States, thousands of state and local election officials administer elections under different laws, procedures, and timelines, and there is no single nationwide process for counting votes or announcing official results. While this system reduces the risk of a single point of failure in American elections, it can also make it more difficult to understand what is happening in the days following an election.
This table can help you distinguish between what’s expected during election season and what may require closer attention, so you can navigate this election season with clarity and confidence and serve as a trusted messenger in your community.
WHAT’S NOT NORMAL?
Claims that slower reporting or delayed results automatically mean fraud or misconduct.
Declaring the election "stolen" or "rigged" before official processes are complete.
Pressuring election officials to ignore procedures or manipulate election results.
Threats, intimidation, or interference targeting voters, election officials, or protesters.
Treating unofficial projections as official, certified election results.
Law enforcement taking over or intervening in election administration without legal authority.
Federal agents seizing ballots, voting machines, or other election materials.
Attempts to take election administration away from authorized state or local officials.
Defying court rulings governing elections.
WHAT’S NORMAL?
Election results change after Election Night as additional ballots are counted.
Mail, military, overseas, and provisional ballots are counted after Election Day, depending on state law.
States and counties report results on different timelines.
Election officials audit, reconcile, and certify results before they're official.
Officials correct clerical errors and update unofficial totals as part of routine checks.
Candidates and media outlets project winners before certification.
Peaceful protest and good-faith public debate.
Election challenges may be filed through established legal processes.
Recounts may occur when required or permitted under state law.
Election decisions may be appealed in court.
Visit vote411.org for specific voting procedures and laws for each state, so you can see what is normal where you live.
Why are we talking about this now?
The 2026 midterm elections are already underway, and election season does not end when the polls close: counting, verification, and certification can continue for days or weeks. For voters watching the process unfold, different county and state rules may seem unusual or confusing.
U.S. election processes are transparent and established, and we should feel empowered to participate this election season by voting and volunteering. However, we must also prepare for possible election-related challenges that may arise. These may include:
Potential federal interference in elections could undermine the authority of state and local election officials, undermine trust, or even change the outcome of an election.
Improper challenges to voter eligibility could remove eligible voters from the rolls or otherwise prevent voters from casting their ballots.
Threats and intimidation could put voters, candidates, and election officials at risk and/or deter voters from participating in elections at all.
Misinformation and disinformation, including AI-generated content, could mislead voters about how to vote, discourage participation, or undermine trust in election results.
Attempts to undermine election results could disrupt the counting and certification of votes, erode public trust, or prevent the will of the voters from being accurately reflected.
Election officials across the country are preparing for a wide array of scenarios this election season, and we all have a role to play in serving as messengers of trusted information in our communities. That’s why it’s especially important to understand what’s normal – and what’s not – before polls close.
Why does this matter for democracy?
Democracy is built on the idea that political power comes from the people, and free, fair, safe, and accessible elections make this possible. Accurately counting votes and resolving disputes through established legal processes ensures that election outcomes reflect the will of the voters. These safeguards can take time, but that doesn’t mean something has gone wrong.
When routine election processes are falsely portrayed as evidence of fraud or misconduct, misinformation can sow confusion and undermine public confidence in legitimate election results. At the same time, genuine interference with election administration, threats against election workers, or attempts to disregard established legal procedures can compromise election integrity and public trust.
Recognizing the difference between normal election procedures and threats to the normal functioning of our elections allows us to respond to each appropriately and protect the will of the voters.
Why does this matter for Jewish communities?
Elections are a cornerstone of American democracy, and a thriving democracy makes vibrant Jewish life possible.
Jewish leaders and institutions have an important role to play in keeping our elections free, fair, safe, and accessible. By serving as trusted community voices, they can reinforce democratic values and educate and mobilize people to ensure our elections work for everyone. Community leaders and organizations can and should use this time to identify trusted information sources (including state or local election officials), establish internal and external communication channels, and plan potential responses if problems do arise.
We can all help ensure our communities are equipped to recognize genuine threats, address misinformation, and take action to support free and fair elections.
What can be done?
Learn →
Understand what happens after Election Day. Learn how ballots are counted, how results are certified, and what recounts and legal challenges look like in your state. Read Protect Democracy’s “Election Certification, Explained” or visit vote411.org to learn about specific processes in your state.
Speak →
Share accurate, verified election information with your community. Use our toolkit to help others understand that changing results, continued ballot counting, and legal challenges can be normal parts of the election process. Before sharing election-related news, pause to verify the information with your state or local election office or another trusted, nonpartisan source. If the facts are not yet clear, it’s okay to wait.
Act →
If you have not yet voted, make your plan to vote now. Visit your state or local election office website for current information about your registration, polling place, identification requirements, and options for casting and returning a ballot.
Identify the trusted sources you’ll turn to for accurate election information on and after Election Day. Start with your state or local election office – these officials are responsible for administering elections and are the authoritative source for information about voting, counting, and certification. Additionally, save the Election Protection hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) to your contacts. Nonpartisan election organizations and experts can also provide useful context.
A More Perfect Union mobilizes the American Jewish community to protect and strengthen democracy. We’re committed to inspiring more American Jews to champion democracy through thoughtful, nonpartisan reflections on the challenges and choices facing our nation today. Never miss an update, subscribe today.
