U.S. Election Officials Begin Certifying Midterm Ballot Results
U.S. election officials have started counting and certifying millions of ballots following the November 3 midterm elections to determine House and Senate membership.
Election officials across the United States have begun counting and certifying tens of millions of ballots following the conclusion of the midterm elections on November 3. This process determines the composition of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for the upcoming term.
Official results generally require at least one week for certification. Depending on state laws, close races may trigger automatic or requested recounts before secretaries of state or state boards issue the certificates of election necessary for members-elect to be seated in January.
Under the U.S. Constitution, both chambers of Congress hold the authority to judge the elections and qualifications of their own members. The House of Representatives may use the Federal Contested Elections Act to investigate results and can refuse to seat a certified winner by a majority vote. Similarly, the Senate can investigate contested elections through its Rules and Administration Committee.
