Processing Election Results
Summary:
We obtain unofficial election results from either state election offices or reliable news media sources as soon as possible after each election- typically the following morning. In the event that the available election results only cover contested races, we highlight all declared winners and unopposed candidates on the most up-to-date candidate list. If an inadequate percentage of precincts are reporting, a majority is necessary but not reached, or the race is very close (generally 48-52 or closer), we would mark these candidates as “Too Close To Call.” These candidates' statuses are then resolved once we receive certified election results. There is an SQL query written to find all of these elections, and this should be checked regularly so as not to miss any results.
After these results are entered, a staff member checks the data entry on our database, followed by a check on our live website. Finally, an incumbent check is performed to make sure all offices up for election are accounted for. After a primary election, we would make sure that there is the correct number of candidates in the general election. This can occasionally be confusing, as some states have more than one person in each district. Be sure that you check this when processing election results. After the general election, we would make sure that there is one winner for each seat up for election. (Unless it is a multi-member district)
Once we process election results, these candidates are automatically advanced to the next stage of the election. Primary winners are thus designated as general election candidates, while general election winners are designated as elected to office. The only exception to this is Too Close to Call candidates, they must be manually either added to the General election or advanced into office.
Management of Election Results
Entering Election Results Procedure:
- Collection of Election Results
- Determining Election Winners
- Entering Election Results Into Admin
- Check of Election Results in Admin
- Advancing/Releasing Election Results to Live Web
- Final Webcheck of Election Results
- Final Corrections/Incumbent Check
- (if corrections) Re-release Election Results to Live Web, Webcheck (Corrections only)
Updating Election Results Procedure (with Updated or Official/Certified Results):
- Collection of Election Results
- Determining Election Winners
- Re-Release Election Results to Live Web
- Webcheck of Election Results
- Final Corrections/Incumbent Check (also: make sure to resolve all Too Close To Call candidates that will not have a runoff election)
- (if corrections) Re-release Election Results to Live Web, Webcheck (Corrections only)
Special/Unique Election Results Cases:
(General Election Only) Advancing Elected Officials into Office (Generally more of a Profiles task)
