2026 midterm election results may take time to finalize, experts say
Late arrivals of ballots and delayed counts are normal in midterm elections, election experts explain.
PBS NewsHour Politics reported that it is normal for midterm election results to take some time to finalize, with late arrivals of ballots and changes in candidate standings overnight not indicating fraud.
The outlet noted that false claims have circulated in past elections about 'ballot dumps' or 'suitcases' of ballots being signs of fraud, especially in Democratic-led cities, but these delays are typical and not unusual.
Ryan Macias, an election technology and cybersecurity expert, told PBS NewsHour that states count and certify results according to their laws, and differences in speed reflect media confidence in predicting winners rather than fraud.
Voters are encouraged to submit mail-in ballots early, with the U.S. Postal Service recommending mailing at least one week before the deadline to help elections run smoothly, according to PBS NewsHour.
Joe Lenski of SSRS said some close Senate and House races may take several days or even weeks to determine the winner, which could impact control of the U.S. Senate.
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