When will we know election results? Here's when ballot counting starts in Iowa
It's Election Day and voters are wondering when the earliest election results will be available from Iowa.
Election laws vary by state. This can impact when states report results on Election night. Some states don't allow absentee processing to start until Election Day like in Wisconsin or Pennsylvania.
So what can Iowa voters expect on Election Day for results?
Live election updates: Follow the latest in Iowa's 2024 election
When can election officials start counting absentee ballots in Iowa?
The absentee ballot process can begin as early as the day before Election Day. This allows county auditors to review absentee voters' affidavits on their sealed envelopes.
Ballots are run through the voting machines on Election Day and are tabulated once polls close at 8 p.m.
Early voting data from auditor's offices only tracks how many people cast ballots, not how they voted.
How to follow election results in Iowa?
For up-to-date results, follow the Des Moines Register's coverage of the election.
At DesMoinesRegister.com/Results, you'll find live maps with the latest election results. Plus we'll have articles, photos and videos from our team of journalists across the state.
You can also access all of our coverage and get push alerts with our free Des Moines Register app.
When will election results be reported in Iowa?
Iowans could know the unofficial results of the presidential and local races before they head to bed on Tuesday night.
Results reported by local auditors and the secretary of state are considered unofficial. Results are not made official until they are certified in the weeks ahead by county and state boards of canvass.
More: Iowa election officials test voting machines to ensure accuracy. Here's how they do it:
The Polk County Auditor's Office predicted unofficial election results would be in before 10 p.m. on Election Day. Black Hawk and Linn County told the Register results will be in no later than 11 p.m.
"We understand that Iowans are excited to see the results, and local election officials do their best to report results quickly and accurately," said Iowa Secretary of Paul Pate in a statement. "Our goal is to get the correct results, and while we aim to do it as quickly as possible, we prioritize accuracy over speed"
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When will Iowa election results be in? When ballot counting starts