Inside the AP's Election Night Process: How Votes Are Counted
Join us for a look at how the Associated Press tracks results on Election Night, from local votes to national races.
Key Role of the Associated Press
As Election Day approaches, nearly 40 million votes have already been cast, which will influence not just Congress but also state and local elections, including governors and mayors. For years, the Associated Press (AP) has been a trusted source for tracking these results, and this year is no different.
A Massive Undertaking
Election Day is a monumental task for the AP, as they are set to monitor approximately 7,000 different races. This includes everything from national Congressional elections to local mayoral contests and school board positions. David Scott, vice president of election services at the AP, emphasizes the importance of this effort in providing accurate and timely election results.
The Nuts and Bolts of Counting Votes
Election results in the United States are tabulated by various local jurisdictions, making the role of the AP crucial in bringing together all this data. Scott explains that the AP utilizes both in-person and online methods for gathering results. The team employs around 4,000 reporters, often referred to as 'stringers', who are stationed at local election offices to report results as they become available.
The AP also taps into electronic feeds from state and county websites, comparing this information with what they receive from their reporters. This multi-source approach ensures a high level of accuracy in their reporting on election night, which is often described as the largest act of journalism annually.
Estimating Voter Turnout
Determining the size of the electorate is another critical aspect of the AP's work. Scott details how this involves a complex math problem, with election officials providing important information about advanced ballots and on-the-day voting statistics. By analyzing this data, the AP can estimate overall voter turnout and provide insight into how many people participated in each race.
Changes in Voting Trends
The landscape of voting has significantly transformed over the years. In 1972, around 95% of Americans cast their ballots at polling places on Election Day itself; today, that number has dropped to under 50%. Scott highlights that the increase in mail-in voting and early in-person voting has reshaped how votes are cast, emphasizing the importance of adapting to these changes in their reporting methods.
As Election Day nears, you can expect live updates from the AP as they track results, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on November 3. Join reporters and expert panels for in-depth analysis as the nation makes its choices.