These 4 States Are Most Likely to Delay Election Results
Emily Carr
Published Feb 23, 2026
If you were hoping to know the winner of the presidential election before you go to sleep on Nov. 3, you're almost definitely going to be disappointed. That's because, due to the large amount of absentee ballots and extended deadlines in some cases, the results in several states may not be tallied until a few days after the physical polls close. Of course, there are a number of things that dictate whether or not waiting for every ballot to be counted will be necessary (the 270 electoral votes needed to win could be achieved before a full count is finished). But if the race is close, it's likely the winner won't be announced for days.
In four key states, the margin of victory is expected to be particularly narrow, so it may be hard to know who won until their ballots are fully counted. And in some of these states, the absentee votes won't be in in full until as late as Nov. 12. Read on to discover the states that are most likely to delay election results. And for more on the places where votes are of particular importance, check out This Is How Every Swing State Is Expected to Vote in the 2020 Election.
Read the original article on Best Life.
1 Michigan
As of the morning of Nov. 2, election officials in Michigan are allowed to open and organize absentee ballots in cities with more than 25,000 residents. However, they can't begin counting them until the day of the election. And due to the fact that a big chunk of the state's population is expected to vote this way, getting to the final tally may take a couple of days.
"Absentee ballots take longer to process and count than ballots cast at polling places," Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement. "And unlike other states, Michigan law provides very limited ability for clerks to prepare them ahead of Election Day. Because of this, and the significant increase in voters casting absentee ballots, it could take until Friday, Nov. 6, for all ballots to be counted. Depending on how close the races are, this likely means that outcomes will not be determined on Tuesday."
2 North Carolina
In North Carolina, ballots that arrive by as late as Nov. 12 will be counted so long as they were postmarked by Nov. 3, according to NPR. And just like Michigan, if the race is close enough and those late-arriving absentee ballots are necessary to determine a winner, the final result would remain unclear for several days after the election. And for more up-to-date information delivered to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
3 Pennsylvania
Similar to North Carolina, election officials were granted an extension by the Supreme Court to accept absentee ballots up to three days after the election, as long as they are postmarked by Nov. 3. According to a statement from Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, the "overwhelming majority" will be counted by Friday, Nov. 6.
4 Wisconsin
While Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers says he hopes that the results will be available sometime before the end of Election Day, it's likely to be closer to the following day, according to Julietta Henry, the Milwaukee County elections director. Henry estimates her country will be done counting absentee ballots between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
"If it takes longer than that, we just ask that you be patient because we want to make sure every vote is counted and is counted accurately," Henry told NPR last week. "We'll be here til it's done." Wondering how to navigate the polls safely? Check out The One Thing the CDC Says Voters Shouldn't Do During Election Day.
Filed UnderNews • State FactsRead This NextThese Are the Swing State to Watch Right Now
A handful of battleground states could determine who becomes the next president.October 26, 2020The One Question People Have About Your State
We discovered the most searched question about each state—and answered them all.November 2, 2020Facts About Presidential Succession You Need to Know
Now seems like a good time to brush up on what happens if the president is too sick to serve. October 2, 2020The Smart Man's Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Wine
That $2,000 bottle of Bourdeaux might be worth $20. Here’s how to be sure it’s the real thing.April 13, 2017The 5 Best Light-Bodied Red Wines for Extending Your Summer
Don't let September ruin a killer party. August 25, 201717 Insanely Cool New Luxury Bicycles for Spring
Meet the bikes that cost more than a car.March 31, 2017Best Life Essentials
You deserve the best. Live life to the fullest with these ultimate essentials.October 21, 2016This Is the Safest Way to Store Meat
Don't let that filet set you up for food poisoning. February 7, 2018Here Are the 10 Wealthiest Cryptocurrency Millionaires Under 40
Including one guy who is only 24 years-old!February 7, 2018This Is the Safest Way to Clean Your Floors
Keep your floors clean and looking brand new with this easy tip. February 8, 2018
