PBS reports delayed election results are a normal part of the process

PBS has released a report titled “When will we know 2026 midterm election results?” stating that it is normal for election results to remain unresolved for days or weeks following election night. The report notes that shifts in candidate leads during the counting process are expected and should not be viewed as evidence of fraud.

Election technology and cybersecurity expert Ryan Macias stated that states count and certify results according to their specific legislative laws. He clarified that the speed of reporting often depends on how quickly media outlets can collect sufficient evidence to confidently predict a winner based on the margin of victory.

The report addresses concerns raised by some politicians and allies regarding the timing of vote counting. It highlights that misinformation often surfaces during these periods, with false claims regarding “ballot dumps” or the idea that only certain cities experience delayed counts. As a historical example, the report cites a Los Angeles mayoral race where Nithya Raman moved from third place to advance to a runoff against Karen Bass after the initial election-night results shifted.