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. 

On Nov. 8 The Associated Press will count the vote, declare winners and cover the results of House, Senate and statewide races across the U.S. in a critical midterm election cycle.

At 11:26 a.m. ET on Saturday, The Associated Press declared Joe Biden the winner of the U.S. presidential race.

The Associated Press will declare winners in 7,000 races in November, from president, Congress and governor to thousands of elections for state legislature, mayor, judges and more.