Results, Canvass, and Certification: How unofficial results become official
Nov 06, 2024
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) - Now that the unofficial election results are in, election officials will review and validate election results over the next few weeks.
After each election in Wisconsin, the election results are certified through a canvass process,which involves municipal canvasses, county canvasses, and a state canvass.
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"We are actually comparing our poll books, our voter numbers to the tapes with the results, and then comparing our results just to make sure we have everything correct and ready to file with the state," explained Outagamie County Clerk Kelly Gerrits.
After the canvass process is complete, then it's time for the election certification.
"Once our board of canvass approves everything and certifies it, then we just submit that to the state certifying that the results are as the board of canvass found," said Gerrits.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) issued an update on Wednesday, saying Tuesday's election was a success, with WEC administrator Meagan Wolfe thanking poll workers and municipal and county clerks for their hard work.
"Wisconsinites can be proud of the efforts of their local election officials who are their friends, neighbors, and family members," said Wolfe.
The deadline for counties to provide certified results to the Wisconsin Elections Commission is November 19.
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"At this point, the state will also combine the results for each legislative, congressional, and state-wide race," said Wolfe. "The statutory deadline for the chairperson of the Wisconsin election commission to certify statewide results is December 1."
During this certification process, candidates can call for a recount. But, for a recount to occur, the margin between the top two candidates has to be one percent or less.