Common Cause Texas Reminds Voters “Election Night is not Results Night”

Election officials expect to have over 11 million ballots to count if 2020 turnout numbers hold 

Austin, TX — As voters head to the polls, Common Cause Texas is reminding the public that it may take several days for election officials to finalize results.  

“It’s crucial every voice is heard in this election and that means counting every vote,” said Anthony Gutierrez, executive director of Common Cause Texas. “It takes time to count every vote accurately and that’s why election night is not results night. Even if we don’t know the election winners when we go to bed, what matters most is making sure every voter’s ballot is counted accurately.”

Before election officials can begin counting ballots, they must first process ballots, which includes checking to make sure the declaration on the outside of the envelope is signed by the voter, that the signature matches the signature on file, and that the voter is on the absentee ballot list. 

Texas is one of 38 states that permit election workers to begin processing ballots before Election Day. But Texas is one of 23 states that forbid election workers from counting ballots before Election Day. Counting can begin when polls open.   

“Even though we may not know the election winners when we go to bed, what matters most is making sure every eligible voter’s ballot is counted accurately,” said Gutierrez. 

In 2020, 66% of Texas voters turned out to vote, with over 11 million ballots cast. If voter turnout numbers hold, Texas can expect to see similar numbers again in this year’s midterm election.

To find 2022 Texas election results, click here.