The 2000 and 2020 presidential elections were rarities in that the winner was not declared on election night. Franklin McMahon/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Who formally declares the winner of the US presidential election?

No, it’s not the TV news networks. The presidential election certification process is a lot more complicated than that − and as Americans learned in 2020, it can take a long time.
Aides prepare Alabama’s Electoral College votes for certification during a joint session of Congress in the House chamber on Jan. 6, 2021. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images

Michigan AG charges 16 people in fake electors scheme: 4 essential reads on how the Electoral College works

Michigan’s attorney general has charged 16 people in a fake electors plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Here’s how the Electoral College works.
Con unas pocas excepciones, los medios declaran al ganador de la carrera presidencial estadounidense la noche de la elección. Pero los medios no tienen la palabra final. ranklin McMahon/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Así se decide formalmente quién será el nuevo presidente de Estados Unidos

Estados Unidos se diferencia de la mayoría de las otras democracias en que no tiene una comisión electoral independiente para certificar el conteo final de votos.
Voting is well underway in many states. Here, an early voting station in Lincoln, R.I., Oct. 13, 2020. Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Obstacles to voting: 6 essential reads on the challenges of election 2020

Experts explain five big threats to this year’s election, from Russian interference to voter intimidation at the polls – plus some tips to make sure every vote is counted.
The 2000 presidential election was a rarity in that the winner was not declared on election night. Franklin McMahon/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Who formally declares the winner of the US presidential election?

No, it’s not the TV news networks. The American election certification process is a lot more complicated than that.
Voting is important. Make sure you know how to do it! Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

How to make sure your vote counts in November

Double-check that you’re registered, find out where and when you can vote, make a plan and tell your friends. Set a reminder on your calendar, and make sure you actually vote.

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