Here in UK all polls are done by with paper ballots. When polls close there is a big push to get the boxes in the right place and votes counted quick. If a recount is needed its done then an there, it causes a hold up but nothing major.
Polls close at 10pm and by midnight-ish the results start coming in. In some places like highlands & islands it takes longer (transport and weather) but usually by 4am–ish everything is fully counted and announced. Its unusual to still be going at it after 5/6 am. And yes - we’ve had some very close races lately.
My confusion is, its not really that different to how its done in Mississippi. How is it possible to still be counting votes 3 days later??
I’ve been keeping an eye on the news but I’m finding it difficult to get a clear answer. What the hell is taking so long???
Honestly, this applies to most of the US. There are some wild laws on that end of the ocean
It depends! Each state is allowed to make their own laws on how an election should run.
In Colorado, we have ballots mailed out to everyone a month ahead. Then you can either drop it off at a ballot box around town, or mail it back.
It has to be received by the county clerk by 7pm on election Day to count.
You can vote in person too, but I’ve never done that.