The election results that voters see reported in media reports or that election jurisdictions release on election night are unofficial and preliminary. These initial totals do not include all ballots submitted in the jurisdiction and have not been subject to the canvass process, where election officials ensure every valid vote is counted. The final results – which are certified by local and state election officials – will only be known after the entire ballot count is complete.
It takes days or weeks for states, territories and DC to finish the counting (or canvass) process and certify winners at the state and federal level. This is normal and part of ensuring all valid votes are counted. During this time, it is not unusual for the winner of a race to change. This is because the initial totals based on early and in-person voting do not reflect all ballots that have yet to be counted, including mail ballots that were received and scanned prior to Election Day or those ballots that are contested.
Despite some strong reactions to unexpected election outcomes (e.g., Trump vs. Clinton), a significant number of Americans appear satisfied with the fairness of their elections (see box). It is possible that these attitudes are related to their perceptions of electoral integrity.
A common perception is that voter satisfaction with democracy depends on how much they expect the government to do and whether it acts as they believe it should. Among the most important factors is perceptions about the economy, but there are also other issues that may affect public satisfaction with democracy.