AP Images | AP Video Archive HOME COMPANY MEDIA CENTER PRODUCTS & SERVICES CONTACT US ELECTIONS How AP Calls Election Winners National Politics Team History of Elections FAQs HOW AP CALLS ELECTION WINNERS AP journalists are armed with on-the-ground knowledge of their territory. No other organization can match AP’s 50-state coverage. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS has a long and successful track record of calling election winners quickly and accurately for members and customers around the world. The responsibility for calling races rests with experienced journalists in each state. They are armed with on-the-ground knowledge of their territory that no other national news organization can match. In addition, they have a wealth of detailed information from AP’s election research team, including demographics, the number of absentee ballots and political issues that may affect the outcome of races they must call. On election night, race callers in each state are assisted by experts in AP’s Washington bureau who examine exit poll numbers and votes as they are counted. A "decision desk" in Washington, headed by the Washington bureau chief, has the final signoff on all top-of-the-ticket calls. “Calling races, from the national level to state legislatures, is a vital function the AP provides to its members and customers. Being able to accurately and quickly call those statewide and state-level races is critical to their ability to provide strong election night coverage.” —Sally Buzbee,Washington Bureau Chief Stringer phones in results to a vote entry clerk in Spokane, Washington or Vote Entry Center. Votes are filtered through checks and verifications. Stringer collects votes from the County Clerk throughout the night. Vote entry clerk keys in results. Results are posted on member websites, used in broadcast, newspaper stories, etc. Results are updated throughout the evening in 30-second and 5-7 minute intervals. First name* Last name* Email address* Company* Phone number How can we help you?* LICENSE AP ELECTION COVERAGE Gain access to AP Election Services’ unrivaled coverage. Send us your contact information and our sales team will contact you shortly. COMPANY About Us AP Leadership History Industry Leadership Intellectual Property Branding FAQs Awards & Recognition News Values and Principles Freedom of Information Definitive Source - blog ASSOCIATED PRESS Terms & Conditions Privacy About the Site AP Essentials Site Map Careers MEDIA CENTER Media Center Press Releases AP in the News CONTACT US Contact Us Customer Support Product Training FOLLOW US News, discussion and a behind-the-scenes look at the newsgathering process from The AP. All contents © copyright 2015 Associated Press. All rights reserved.