Vote Smarter 2020: What Does 'Precincts Reporting' Mean?

The video tutorial explains the concept of precincts reporting and its diminishing relevance due to the rise in mail-in voting. It highlights the variability in state reporting systems, where some states may report 100% precincts while still counting mail-in ballots. The focus is on understanding the total ballots cast and counted to interpret election results accurately. The tutorial uses a legislative contest example to illustrate how vote margins can determine election outcomes. It concludes with a prediction of increased reporting on expected vote shares rather than precincts reporting.

How has the increase in mail-in voting affected the precincts reporting numbers?

• It has made them more accurate.

• It has had no effect.

• It has made them less reliable.

• It has increased their importance.

What is a key factor to understand when analyzing election results?

• The number of candidates.

• The number of ballots cast and counted.

• The number of mail-in ballots.

• The number of precincts reporting.

Why might a state report 0% of precincts reporting but still show results?

• Because they have technical issues.

• Because they are waiting for mail-in ballots.

• Because absentee ballots are counted first.

• Because they have not started counting.

In the example given, why can candidate A be declared the winner?

• Because she is ahead by more votes than are outstanding.

• Because she has more mail-in votes.

• Because she has more precincts reporting.

• Because she has more campaign funds.

What type of reporting is expected to increase this year?

• Number of candidates reporting.

• Number of mail-in ballots reporting.

• Percent expected vote reporting.

• Percent precincts reporting.