What election certification does after votes are counted

Certification follows several checks

Election certification formally records the winners after officials complete the main work of counting and checking the results. A Democracy Project explanation published Sept. 16, 2026, describes certification as a distinct step that comes after tabulation and the canvass.

After polls close, local officials total votes and confirm that ballot counts match figures from tabulation equipment. During the canvass, they compare the number of ballots with voter check-in records and investigate discrepancies. Officials also count eligible provisional ballots, accept qualifying military and overseas ballots that arrive after Election Day, and conduct audits required by state law.

The sequence and terminology differ among states. Once local totals are submitted, an election board or chief election official adds them together and certifies the statewide results. A governor or secretary of state may sign certificates for the winners. Certificates for congressional races are sent to the House or Senate.

What certification does not do

By certification, most decisions about ballot eligibility, absentee-ballot verification and vote tabulation have already been made. An official responsible for certification does not necessarily have authority to reconsider each earlier decision.

In June 2022, Otero County commissioners in New Mexico initially refused to certify the state primary results while raising broad concerns without evidence and seeking an investigation. The refusal put completion of the statewide election at risk, but the county certified its results days later.

Recounts and election contests may occur before or after certification, depending on state law. A certification also can be provisional and later revised if a contest changes the result.