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With the election night rapidly approaching, officials nationwide are gearing up to count tens of millions of ballots, a complex process that can yield shifting results throughout and even beyond election night. The way votes are reported varies significantly across states, meaning early leads can be deceptive and are likely to change as more ballots are counted.

In Arizona, ballots processed before Election Day are the first to be reported once polls close. These early and mail ballots have skewed Democratic since the 2020 election, often giving Democratic candidates an early lead. Mail ballots received on Election Day, particularly in populous Maricopa County, take longer to process and can significantly affect final results. The state has an automatic recount if the vote margin is 0.5% or less.

Georgia’s election officials can start tabulating mail ballots as early as 7 a.m. on Election Day, resulting in early reports that include these ballots and early in-person votes, which have also leaned Democratic since 2020. Although Georgia does not have an automatic recount, candidates can request one if the margin is within 0.5%.

Michigan has updated its laws to improve the speed of tabulating absentee ballots. Local officials in cities and towns with at least 5,000 residents can now begin processing these ballots up to eight days before Election Day. The update aims to prevent delays similar to the ones seen in the 2020 presidential election. Recounts in Michigan are automatic if the margin is within 2,000 votes, and candidates can request a recount at their own expense under any margin.

Nevada conducts predominantly mail-in elections, with laws now permanently sending mail-in ballots to all active voters. In the midterms, 80% of voters cast their ballots early or by mail. These ballots postmarked by Election Day are counted if received within four days after Election Day. Nevada does not automatically recount but a requested recount must be funded by the candidates within three days after the canvass.

North Carolina also counts votes quickly, but this year's results could be delayed due to Hurricane Helene's impact. Here, mail ballots are often counted before polls close, and these have favored Democrats since 2020. State law allows for a recount at the request of a candidate if the margin is less than 0.5% or in specific situations based on the total votes.

In Pennsylvania, the sheer volume of mail ballots, which made up nearly a quarter of the votes in the 2022 midterms, often delays results. Mail ballot results can only begin to be released after polls close, causing potential days-long wait to determine a clear winner. An automatic recount occurs if the margin is 0.5 percentage points or fewer.

Vote results in Wisconsin are initially a mix of Election Day and early votes, though larger counties may take longer to report. Milwaukee and Dane counties, both Democratic strongholds, typically have a slower reporting process. Recounts are not automatic but can be requested and funded by candidates if the margin is less than 1%.

As these states showcase, variations in vote counting processes, the timing of reports, and potential recounts can lead to dynamic and evolving election night scenarios. Each state has measures to ensure ballots are counted correctly and securely, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process.