In a functioning democracy, election results should be known within hours, not days. Yet many jurisdictions stretch the counting process over a week, eroding public trust and inviting speculation.
Efficient vote counting is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Modern technology and streamlined procedures can tally ballots on election night, as demonstrated by states that process mail-in ballots early and use high-speed scanners. When counts drag on, baseless conspiracy theories flourish, and the legitimacy of outcomes is unfairly questioned.
Voters deserve clarity, not a drawn-out suspense. Legislatures must mandate same-day or overnight counting where possible, invest in robust systems, and outlaw unnecessary delays. Democracy depends on swift, accurate results.