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???


I’m not sure you understand me. What could and should be are not always what actually is. Additionally, the USA has nearly 350 mn people, each state uses their own tech, own rules unless otherwise federally mandated, and DOGE went into federal systems and deleted and destroyed a lot. Moreover, individual counties and municipalities have their own systems. Rural areas don’t have the funding populous areas do, and people who can afford higher taxes simply don’t want to pay them and fight against them. Small towns here don’t even have websites, but FB pages.