Summary
The comparison of ballot counting timelines and processes in the 2020 and 2024 elections reveals significant differences and similarities across various states in the U.S. While the 2020 election faced unprecedented delays largely due to the surge in mail-in voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2024 election is also expected to experience varied counting timelines influenced by state-specific laws and procedures.
In 2020, states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin did not allow the processing of mail-in ballots until Election Day, contributing to extended counting times and delays in announcing results. For instance, Pennsylvania’s official counts took several days, while Georgia’s results were not finalized until four days post-election. The situation led to confusion and misinformation, particularly when early in-person votes were counted, creating a “red mirage” effect where Trump appeared to lead before mail-in ballots favored Biden later. In contrast, the 2024 election has seen some states implement changes aimed at expediting the counting process. For example, North Carolina and Georgia are expected to report results more swiftly, with North Carolina anticipating about 90% of ballots counted by midnight on Election Day.
State-Specific Procedures
Georgia and North Carolina Both states have adjusted their procedures to enable quicker reporting. Georgia allows early processing of mail-in ballots, starting from October 21, and mandates that results be reported by 8 p.m. on Election Night. North Carolina is also expected to count a significant portion of its ballots early, with results likely available soon after polls close.
Wisconsin and Michigan Wisconsin has reinstated ballot drop boxes, which could facilitate the voting process, although the counting of absentee ballots still begins on Election Day. Michigan has improved its timeline by allowing cities to start processing absentee ballots eight days before the election, which may lead to faster results compared to 2020.
Arizona and Nevada Arizona is projected to be one of the slowest states to count ballots again, with estimates suggesting it could take 10 to 13 days to finalize results. This is partly due to the state’s law that prohibits counting mail-in ballots delivered on Election Day until after polls close. Nevada, meanwhile, accepts mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day for several days after, which could also prolong the counting process.
Impact of Election Law Changes
The changes in election laws and procedures from 2020 to 2024 reflect ongoing debates about voting accessibility and election integrity. In 2020, many states faced criticism for slow counts and perceived inefficiencies, prompting some to implement reforms aimed at improving the speed and transparency of the vote-counting process. However, the introduction of measures such as hand counting ballots in Georgia and other states has raised concerns about potential delays and the possibility of undermining public confidence in the electoral process, as seen in the ongoing discussions around “Stop the Steal” narratives.
Overall, while there are efforts to streamline the counting process for the 2024 election, the complexities of state laws and the potential for high volumes of mail-in ballots continue to present challenges that could affect the timeline for announcing results.
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