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AP's Poll-Closing Election Calls Explained
The Associated Press explains its process for declaring winners in US elections at poll closing time, emphasizing data analysis and the use of AP VoteCast.
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- How many races are typically called at poll closing time?
- Only a small number of races are called at poll closing, primarily those with a clear, non-competitive outcome based on historical data and real-time analysis of available results.
- What role does AP VoteCast play in these poll-closing calls?
- AP VoteCast, a comprehensive voter survey, helps confirm expected outcomes. However, if VoteCast shows significant deviations from historical trends, the AP will not call a race at poll closing time.
- What types of races are typically called at poll closing time?
- Many of the races called immediately after polls close are uncontested, meaning only one candidate is on the ballot. In others, one party has a history of overwhelming victories, making the outcome predictable.
- How does the Associated Press (AP) declare winners in some states at poll closing time?
- The AP declares winners at poll closing time in landslide or uncontested races based on a multi-faceted analysis of data, including AP VoteCast, voting history, and voter registration statistics.
- What data points does AP take into account before declaring a winner at poll closing time?
- Factors considered include voting history, voter registration, pre-election polling, and AP VoteCast results. If these factors align with expected results in a state with a history of lopsided victories, the AP may declare a winner at poll closing.