Are mail in ballots being counted first

In the United States, the process of counting mail-in ballots can vary from state to state, but generally, mail-in ballots are not counted first. Instead, they are typically counted after in-person votes are tallied. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. In-person voting: On Election Day, voters cast their ballots in person at polling stations. These votes are typically counted and reported in real-time or shortly after the polls close.
2. Mail-in ballot processing: Mail-in ballots are received by election officials and processed separately. This may involve verifying the voter's identity, checking the signature on the ballot envelope, and ensuring that the ballot was received by the designated deadline.
3. Sorting and tabulation: Mail-in ballots are then sorted and tabulated, often using specialized equipment and software. This process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the volume of mail-in ballots and the resources available to the election officials.
4. Counting: Once the mail-in ballots are sorted and tabulated, they are counted and added to the overall tally of votes. This may be done manually or using automated counting machines.

In some states, mail-in ballots may be counted before in-person votes, but this is not the norm. In general, election officials prioritize counting in-person votes first to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable. Mail-in ballots are then counted separately, often using a different process and equipment.

It's worth noting that some states, like Oregon and Colorado, conduct all-mail elections, where all voters receive mail-in ballots and return them by mail or in-person. In these states, mail-in ballots are typically counted first, as they are the primary means of voting.