Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) -- As the statewide elections are expected to be very close, election officials want to let people know some things about the process to increase confidence in the results. For one, anyone watching the results change post-election day will be able to find out where, and why.
Election night results are, and always have been, unofficial,. Results do not become official until November 15th, when the State Board of Elections certifies the numbers. This is why the recount process cannot even be considered until after that date. Numbers will change as errors and discrepancies are found in the canvas process. Each time that happens, the locality will log it and explain it, and you'll be able to see that on the results website. Localities have a full week (November 9th) to certify their totals and send them to the state.
The canvas process is also done in public as well. Totals will also change in the days just after the election as well as ballots that are postmarked by Election Day, but are received before noon Friday, are counted.
