Why some 2026 races won’t be decided on election night, and why that doesn’t mean foul play

November 3, 2026 / 6:00 AM EST / CBS News

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.

"If we do, then there's a very big wave going on," Becker said.

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

"It's almost certain that the candidates who think they're doing poorly are going to be spreading lies and disinformation about it…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/