Washington, DC, November 4: With barely a day left until the pivotal US presidential election on November 5, the focus shifts to how votes are cast and counted. This election not only decides the next president but also sets the stage for policies and direction over the next four years. As candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump vie for the presidency, understanding how votes are counted will be crucial for those following the election closely. The counting process can significantly influence the outcome, especially in battleground states where margins can be razor-thin.

Americans prepare to cast their votes, and knowing how the election process works is crucial to understanding the eventual outcomes. The counting of votes is a multi-step process that begins on Election Day and may extend for several days after, depending on various factors. With significant numbers of early ballots cast in addition to those submitted on Election Day, it is essential for voters to comprehend the entire voting and counting process. Let’s learn how votes are cast and subsequently counted in this complex electoral system. US Election 2024 Date, How To Vote, Where To Vote, Result Date and Time: Key Things To Know About US Presidential Elections.

How US Votes Are Cast

In the US, votes are cast using several methods, each designed to accommodate various voter needs and enhance accessibility. Handmarked Paper Ballots are the most traditional method, where voters manually fill in their choices on a paper ballot, typically using a pen or pencil. Ballot Marking Devices (BMDs) are electronic machines that assist voters in marking their selections, which can then be printed on a paper ballot for verification.

Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) Systems allow voters to cast their votes directly on a touchscreen interface, with selections stored electronically without a paper trail, though some jurisdictions now require a printed summary for verification. Voting can take place during early voting periods, on Election Day, or via mail-in ballots for those unable to vote in person. Each state establishes its own rules for the use of these methods, ensuring that all voters have access to a reliable means of casting their votes. US Election 2024 Date: When Is Polling? When Will US Election Results Be Declared? Who Are Key Candidates? All About the Presidential Election in United States.

How Are Votes Counted and When Is Vote Counting?

Once votes are cast in the US presidential election, the counting process begins as soon as polls close on Election Day, typically around 8 PM local time. Election officials across the country work diligently to process ballots, which can come in various forms, including in-person votes cast on Election Day and early ballots submitted prior to the election. Votes from mail-in ballots, which are often received before Election Day, are also counted, with many states allowing for ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received by a specific deadline.

Each state has its own laws and procedures for counting votes, with some using sophisticated electronic systems and others relying on hand-counted paper ballots. The final official vote tally is required by December 11 this year, ensuring that each state's results are certified in time for the subsequent Electoral College vote.

To win the presidency, a candidate must secure a majority of the Electoral College votes, which total 538. This means a candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes to claim victory. The allocation of these votes is based on the results of the popular vote in each state, with most states employing a winner-takes-all system. After the votes are counted and certified, the results are submitted to Congress, where they will officially confirm the president-elect during a joint session held in early January, with the inauguration that typically takes place on January 20.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 04, 2024 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).