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AP’s Essential role in elections

A woman deposits her ballot in an election drop box in Jersey City, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

How the AP counts the vote and declares winners in US elections

Instead of relying on crowd-sourcing or vulnerable technology, our 50-state network of local reporters have first-hand knowledge of their territories and trusted relationships with county clerks and other local officials.

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton cast shadows on an American flag behind them while listening to speakers while waiting for Clinton's arrival at a rally, Wednesday, March 2, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

How the AP calls election winners and why it matters

In the 2020 U.S. general election, The Associated Press declared winners in more than 5,000 contested races – starting with the White House and reaching down the ballot to every seat in every state legislature.

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chester County, Pa. election workers process mail-in and absentee ballots at West Chester University in West Chester on Nov. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

How we survey American voters with AP VoteCast

Elections are about voters and the choices they make. Every two years, Americans cast ballots to pick a new set of leaders in Washington, as well as at statehouses, county offices and city halls nationwide.

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS