Election Nights: A Changing Landscape

Traditionally, election nights have provided a decisive and quick resolution regarding the outcome of presidential races and the control of Congress. However, the current election cycle is poised to challenge that norm due to the unprecedented impact of the pandemic, which has significantly increased the volume of absentee and mail-in voting. As of mid-October, nearly 25 million votes have already been cast before election day, altering how results will be reported and interpreted. This year's dynamic introduces the potential for a 'red mirage' and a 'blue shift', where initial outcomes on election night may be misleading, leading to a delayed understanding of the true voting results.