While tomorrow is official election day, it is not likely we will know the outcome of the election tomorrow. In the past it was usually possible for the media to predict by 9 or 10 PM who the winner was going to be. This year, however, it looks more and more doubtful we will know the outcome for several days and maybe longer. What does this mean?
Well, for those of us who have already cast a ballot, it means our ballot will likely be counted tomorrow sometime after poll closing if we cast our ballot in person. If we chose to cast a mail-in ballot it means our ballot may or may not be counted tomorrow depending upon the state we live in. If we chose to drop off a mail-in at a polling location during early voting it very likely could be counted sometime tomorrow. But if we chose to mail in the ballot through the postal system, it could be several days before out ballot is counted and thereby delay the announcement of who has won the election.
Is there a way to improve the outcome, know it sooner? That depends on where you live. Some states allow you to cast an in person ballot even though you mailed in a ballot. The mail-in ballot is nullified and the in person ballot is the one that will be counted. If you would like to do this to ensure your vote is counted early, check with your local election board to determine if your state permits this option.
If you have not yet voted, and I know there are many of you who have not, please put it on your agenda for tomorrow. Go early to your local precinct polling location and cast your vote. Your vote this year, more than any other year, may determine the outcome of this important election. Encourage your family and friends who have not voted to get out tomorrow to vote. Offer to drive them or babysit for them or what ever they need to make the time to vote. This opportunity will not come around for another four years.
