The point at which ballots are tallied varies considerably depending on location and applicable laws. Some jurisdictions permit the processing of absentee ballots well in advance of election day, including verification and even the opening of envelopes. Other areas mandate that no vote tabulation can commence until polls officially close.
Early processing, where permitted, can expedite the reporting of results on election night, reducing the potential for prolonged uncertainty. This contrasts with scenarios where counting commences only after polls close, which can lead to significant delays, especially in elections with high turnout or complex ballot measures. Historically, differences in counting start times have influenced perceptions of election integrity and the speed with which outcomes are known.
