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Understanding US Elections
Explanation of the US election process, including the Electoral College, voting methods, vote counting, and results reporting.
English
United Kingdom
PoliticsUs PoliticsElectionsVotingResultsElectoral College
Associated Press (Ap)Congress
Donald TrumpKamala HarrisHillary ClintonBrian KempJoe Biden
- How are the votes counted?
- Votes are counted at the local precinct level, then aggregated at the county and state levels. Verification processes, including signature checks, ensure accuracy and security.
- How are the results reported?
- Results are reported by the Associated Press (AP), which declares winners when the trailing candidate has no path to victory. Official results can take time due to verification and potential recounts.
- How does the US election work?
- The US election uses the Electoral College system, where each state receives electoral votes based on population. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
- How do people vote in the US election?
- People vote in the US election through various methods, including mail-in ballots and in-person voting on election day. Each state administers its own election process.
- What is the electoral college and how does it work?
- The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, with each state and Washington D.C. receiving votes. In most states, the candidate winning the popular vote receives all of that state's electoral votes.