As Nov. 5 approaches, AP is covering the impact of AI-generated misinformation on the election.  

With no single U.S. government agency or federal commission that tallies results and declares winners, AP has stepped in to play a pivotal role in the American democracy since the middle of the 19th century when AP declared the election of President Zachary Taylor. 

In every U.S. election since 1848 AP has counted the vote and declared the winners. As Nov. 5 approaches, David Scott, the AP vice president who oversees our elections operation, explains how AP tallies millions of ballots to deliver the results:

For 178 years, The Associated Press has played a vital role in U.S. elections, counting the vote and declaring the winners – and reporting them to the world, without fear or favor.