In the United States, election results are primarily determined by State election officials and, for the President and Vice President, the Electoral College. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) only administers federal campaign finance laws and does not determine election results or vote counts. State election offices are responsible for certifying electoral votes and providing official results to the public.
Voters deposit completed ballots in a ballot box or scanner at in-person polling places and through mail or early in-person voting systems. These ballots are then counted, or tabulated, at precincts and centralized locations. The process is called the canvass and takes place in the days (and sometimes weeks) after Election Day to ensure every valid ballot is counted. Documenting chain of custody for ballots, observing elections and challenging ballots, and auditing results are some of the key processes to help ensure accuracy and transparency.
After the canvass is complete, there may be a recount for close races. Recounts are conducted either by hand or by machine and involve examining each ballot, one at a time, and determining which candidate the voter intended to vote for. Depending on state law, a recount could also include a recanvass–in some cases a separate process–to reexamine all or part of the certified results.
During this time of uncertainty, it’s important to remember what you can and cannot control. If you’re unable to sleep because of worries about the outcome, try to take a deep breath and focus on things you do have control over. For example, you can put up yard signs, participate in respectful discussions with others about the issues you care about and support your preferred candidates through donations.