### Understanding the Complexities of Counting Votes in Key Battleground States

As Election Day approaches, waves of results will flow in after polls close nationwide, but determining winners in crucial states may take time, with some states potentially taking much longer to provide official, certified counts.

One significant factor affecting the speed of ballot counting is the increase in mail-in voting. Nearly one-third of voters chose this option during the 2022 midterm elections, as noted by the MIT Election Lab. While some states permit early counting of mail-in ballots, others mandate that counting begins only after in-person voting concludes.

### Arizona's Extended Counting Timeline
Polls in Arizona close at 7 p.m. local time (9 p.m. ET). Arizona has embraced mail-in voting for over 20 years, with roughly 80% of voters using this method. Ballots begin processing upon receipt, but results cannot be disclosed until all precincts report or one hour after polls close. University of Arizona professor Christopher Weber indicated it could take nearly two weeks to tally votes in Maricopa County.

### Georgia’s Post-2020 Voting Reforms
Polls in Georgia close at 7 p.m. ET. The use of absentee ballots dropped significantly from 1.3 million in 2020 to less than 300,000 in 2022, attributed to a 2021 law restricting mail ballot access. Emory University professor Andra Gillespie expects potential delays if the race is close, preparing voters for a possible delay of a few days. Vote certification is due by Nov. 12, with recount requests by Nov. 14.

### Michigan’s Decentralized Election Process
In Michigan, polls close at 9 p.m. ET, though some western counties adhere to central time. About 42% of voters cast absentee ballots in 2022. Oakland University’s David Dulio explained that Michigan’s elections are managed by 1,600 local clerks, which may slow down the process. Official results must be submitted by Nov. 25, with automatic recounts required for margins under 2,000 votes, to be completed within 30 days.

### Nevada’s All-Mail Voting System
Nevada polls close at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET). Since 2022, Nevada conducts all-mail elections with in-person voting also permitted. County-level canvasses are due by Nov. 15, with results possibly known by Nov. 9. Recounts can be requested by Nov. 18 and must be completed by Nov. 24, ahead of the statewide canvass on Nov. 26.

### North Carolina’s Hurricane Impact
Polls in North Carolina close at 7:30 p.m. ET. Hurricane Helene caused significant devastation, affecting voter access in 13 counties. Emergency measures were enacted to improve voting access. County canvasses are to be completed by Nov. 15, with state certification due three weeks post-election on Nov. 26. Recount requests must be made by Nov. 17.

### Pennsylvania’s Slow-Mail Ballot Tally
Polls in Pennsylvania close at 8 p.m. ET. Mail-in ballots can only be counted from 7 a.m. on Election Day. Full returns commence on Nov. 8. Initial results, mostly mail ballots, will be available soon after polls close. Close races could hinge on provisional ballots, typically processed by larger counties from Thursday through Monday post-election. An automatic recount is triggered for margins under 0.5%, to be completed by Nov. 26.

### Wisconsin’s Prompt Vote Reporting
Wisconsin polls close at 8 p.m. CT (9 p.m. ET). According to Barry Burden from the University of Wisconsin, results become more apparent 2 to 2.5 hours post-close, except for Milwaukee, which takes longer. Municipalities must report tallies by 4 p.m. the next day. Certified vote statements are due to the Wisconsin Elections Commission by Nov. 19, with final certification by Dec. 1.

Each state’s unique rules and timelines highlight the complexities and potential delays in determining election outcomes.