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???
Some of it is mail in ballots but that’s normal in most states. The 1 week delay in Mississippi right now are the affidavit (provisional) ballots where someone didn’t have the right ID, had just changed their name, or otherwise couldn’t match their registered voter identity.
Those folks sign a temporary vote (affidavit or provisional) and then have a week to follow up with the proper ID and otherwise sort out their information to ensure their vote is counted.