When voters go to the polls, they expect their votes to be counted accurately. Election officials work hard to ensure that every vote is properly counted – and that process continues days (and sometimes weeks) after Election Day. The results of this effort are what we know as official election results.
However, there are many steps in the process between when polls close and when election workers can report a final certified result, and it is important for the public to have accurate information about how these results are calculated and reported. In order to make this possible, we have put together a collection of resources for journalists covering elections.
Voters have expressed that the economy is an important issue for them in this election, and policy differences between a Kamala Harris or Donald Trump administration may impact global markets. However, the full effects of these policies won’t be known until all votes are counted and a winner is declared.
Research shows that having reliable information sources can buffer people from feeling stressed or anxious about uncertain events. We encourage everyone to check in with AP or Reuters, for example, instead of TikTok or Facebook. These sources often rely on sensational headlines or dramatic imagery that can exacerbate stress and confusion. In addition, we recommend that voters avoid social media outlets that have no verification processes or that specialize in fake news.