Amid a divisive and high-stakes election, many voters feel emotional stress in anticipation of what the results might mean for their values, communities and hopes for the future. The result of this heightened stress can often be feelings of disbelief and disappointment, regardless of whether the candidate they supported wins or loses. These are normal reactions to high-stakes events, but they can also create a feeling of helplessness and lead to unhelpful behaviors.
The process of counting ballots can be a lengthy one, and the final election results aren’t always what people expect. It is critical that election officials follow established procedures for observing and confirming ballots, documenting chain of custody and auditing votes to ensure electoral integrity. Publicly reporting these data increases transparency and accountability, which in turn can enhance voter trust in the election process.
The resulting election results determine the winners of electoral contests and the allocation of seats in many electoral systems. They also inform the country’s political landscape and serve as a basis for assessing the overall health of democracy. Publicly posting election results at the locations where ballots are cast and initially counted (i.e., polling stations) as well as at each point of consolidation (i.e., ward, district, regional/provincial and national results consolidation centers) helps increase public confidence in the electoral process. These data should include a clear description of the status of each round of ballot tallying, including how and when the results were finalized and certified.