How NBC News Projects Races
The NBC News Decision Desk provides real-time, accurate election results as soon as they are made available by election officials, and independently analyzes vote tallies to decide when races can be projected. Projecting a winner means that the Decision Desk has determined that the trailing candidates cannot catch the leader and that the leading candidate will win the race. This determination is made through a comprehensive analysis, and the Decision Desk only projects a race when it is certain of the outcome.
-
How are votes counted?
In the 2026 primaries, vote data will be collected in all 50 states for statewide offices, the House of Representatives, key ballot measures and other races of national interest. The Associated Press provides election results data to NBC News and other major news organizations. Data collection is done through multiple sources on Election Day, with data reporters and interviewers across the country calling in county- and precinct-level results on a timely and rolling basis all day long. Vote data is also collected through state and county websites and feeds.
-
How does NBC News ensure accuracy?
Vote results are rigorously checked and verified. Part of quality control involves checking that vote data is consistent acrosssee whether the results look extremely different across multiple past races. All projections are made independently of other outlets
