If you are new to watching returns, here is what to expect. A state won't know the results until the polls close. The tallies for candidates are hidden everywhere before then to keep one side from leaking the results to motivate everyone else. Votes in precincts, be it boxes on Election Day or Early/Absentee votes, are counted by counties. They report those numbers to the state election boards (roughly since every state is different.)
How to Watch the Returns Tonight
How to Watch the Returns Tonight
How to Watch the Returns Tonight
If you are new to watching returns, here is what to expect. A state won't know the results until the polls close. The tallies for candidates are hidden everywhere before then to keep one side from leaking the results to motivate everyone else. Votes in precincts, be it boxes on Election Day or Early/Absentee votes, are counted by counties. They report those numbers to the state election boards (roughly since every state is different.)