Why some key races won't be decided on election night

Executive Briefing

According to reporting by CBS News US National, Experts expect some politicians on Tuesday night to claim the 2026 elections are rigged, but here's why that's not the case — and why it may be a while before some races are called.

Detailed Factual Report

Washington — Control of the House and Senate may not be immediately clear on election night, and some of the 2026 midterm election calls will take longer than others. But that's not unusual or an indication of fraud, as some candidates may claim.

As the nation watches to see how the elections unfold on Tuesday night, election experts advise voters against listening to politicians who cry foul without offering evidence of fraud as ballots are being cast or counted. Many key races will be close. And when they're close, the results are likely to come later.

David Becker, executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation & Research and a CBS News contributor, says he has some doubts about whether Americans will even know who controls the House or Senate on election night.

Becker says there is a type of candidate who's likely to complain early and often about the integrity of the election.

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Source & Verification Provenance

Information in this article was compiled directly from records provided by CBS News US National. Access the primary source document at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2026-midterm-elections-race-call-timing/. Reporting and editorial review conducted by the USA NOW News Desk.