Unofficial returns arrive first
The Election Assistance Commission says election-night results remain unofficial even when a display says 100% of precincts are reporting. State and local officials continue processing eligible ballots and reconciling election records after polls close.
A media projection is also different from a government certification. News organizations can call a race based on analysis; election officials make the official determination under state law.
Canvass, audit and recount are separate steps
During canvassing, officials reconcile mail, early and Election Day ballots with voter records. Many states also require post-election audits, and state law can trigger or permit recounts.
These steps can change totals without indicating fraud. Late-arriving eligible ballots, provisional-ballot review and corrected reporting errors can all affect unofficial figures.
Use the tracker with the right label
A responsible election tracker should identify the reporting authority, update time, percentage or units reporting and whether results are unofficial, projected or certified. It should not convert a network call into a legal result.
Certification dates differ by jurisdiction. Voters should use state and local election offices for the governing schedule and treat election-night numbers as a moving count.
Sources and further reading
U.S. Election Assistance Commission: results, canvass and certification ↗