How a US election is run, counted and certified

Process map by Brian. 23 steps, 2 layers. Tags: politics, elections, us government, civics.

Voters: Register to vote
Voters: Vote: early, by mail or on election day
Local election officials: Polls close and counting begins
Media: Unofficial results and projections
Local election officials: Canvass: check every ballot, signature and provisional ballot
Local election officials: Is the margin extremely tight?
Local election officials: An automatic recount or audit
Local election officials: The county certifies its results
State officials: The state certifies the statewide result
Campaigns and observers: Is there a legal challenge?
Courts: Courts decide on the evidence
State officials: The result is final
State officials: Electors are certified