When election results are reported, it is important to remember that only official, certified results are considered true. There are several steps that take place before a race can be considered final, and these processes can take days (and sometimes weeks) to complete.

News outlets work through the night and into the days after elections to collect data and make projections based on partial results. These projections can change as they receive new information. It is normal for there to be differences in the numbers from different outlets, as each one may use a slightly different system of counting and have its own internal assumptions about what the data means.

The final, official election results are determined after all of the votes have been counted and a canvass has occurred. During this process, ballots are reviewed for accuracy and the count is checked to make sure that no votes have been missed or miscounted. Votes from early in-person and mail ballots are counted at this time, as well as provisional ballots.

The final results can be certified by the chief election official in each state, which is typically the secretary of state. Depending on state laws, there may be a recount for close races. A recount is only possible if the trailing candidate can demonstrate that the first-place finisher committed a clear mistake in the calculation of their winning margin, and rules about whether or not to hold a recount vary from state to state.