What are the rules on when a network "calls a state"

[DuaneBidoux]

Someone said "Why aren't they calling Pennsylvania yet?" Maybe they don't call a state regardless of anything if polls are not all closed. Or if it is too close (unlike a state like Kentucky). Have they called NY? I just want to understand under what conditions these guys "call" states?

[progressivebydesign]

1. Yeah.. like Kansas was called with only 1% reporting?? n/t

[K-W]

2. They each have thier own methodology

based on statistics and history.

They were very careful this year with it, they were embarassed last year. So I think they are just being generally conservative with thier calls, waiting until it is more statistically proven than last time.

[union_maid]

3. I don't think it's a rule, exactly

It's considered responsible to wait for polls to close. As to when the call it, it has to do with a formula for each state - key precincts report and that tells them.

[unblock]

4. they basically call it whenever they want

but mostly, they avoid calling it prior to all the polls in that state OFFICIALLY being closed, although there may well still be people in line waiting to vote.

beyond that, it's just a statistical analysis of how the candidates are doing given the demographics of the reporting precincts. as soon as they feel confident that there's only, say, a 1% chance that they'll have to make an embarrassing reversal, that's when they call it.

[kestrel91316]

5. Why should anyone care whether or not.................

a network "calls a state"??? We learned last time that they don't know their heads from their a--es. They have no legal standing. The only numbers that matter are the ones certified by each sec of state. PERIOD.