(CNSNews.com) - President Biden has said this, and his press secretary repeated it on Monday: It may take a few days to determine the outcome of some close, or legally challenged, elections.
In Pennsylvania, for example, lawsuits already have been filed over thousands of absentee ballots that were not properly dated, and which therefore must not be counted, by order of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Democrat Senate candidate John Fetterman has joined a lawsuit challenging the court ruling.
On Monday, Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters:
"In modern elections, more and more ballots are being cast in early voting and also by mail. And many states don’t start counting those ballots until after the ballots — after — pardon me — after the polls close on November 8th.
"So you heard the President say this the other night; he has been very clear on this as well. We may not know all the winners of elections for a few days. It takes time to count all legitimate ballots in a legal and orderly manner.
“That’s how the — that’s how this is supposed to work. And it’s important for us to all be patient when — while votes are being counted. This is not just for all of you, but this is also for the folks who are watching.
"And so, I think it’s important to just remind folks that it’s something that people should be mindful of as well."
In his prime-time televised speech last week, President Biden also urged patience:
"We know that more and more ballots are cast in early voting or by mail in America. And we know that many states don’t start counting those ballots until after the polls close on November 8th.
"That means, in some cases, we won’t know the winner of the election for a few days — until after a few days after the election. It takes time to count all legitimate ballots in a legal and orderly manner.
"It’s always been important for citizens in a democracy to be informed and engaged. Now it’s important for citizens to be patient as well. That’s how this is supposed to work."
Day-after news conference?
Jean-Pierre said President Biden has a "full schedule" at the White House on this Election Day. "As I previously said, we expect the President will address the elections the day afterwards. And when we have details on the timing of that, we of course will share it with all of you," she said.
In response to a follow-up question, Jean-Pierre said, "You’re going to hear from the President. He always enjoys taking your questions. [Clearly, he does not.]
"So, you know, he — I’m sure he’ll take your questions as well. I’m just not going to get ahead of it. I’m just not going to lay out what the — what his day is going to specifically look like on — on Wednesday.
"But, again, he is going to address the American people. And I think that’s — matters. He’s going to be clear about what’s on his mind. And I’m just not going to get ahead of it from here."