Explained: Election Day arrives after a surge in early voting, with observers keeping close watch at the polls

The final day of midterm voting arrives Tuesday

noncitizen voters

People who are not U.S. citizens allegedly casting ballots, which is illegal and reportedly very rare

certification

The official process of confirming and finalizing election results

drop boxes

Secure locations where voters can deposit absentee or mail ballots instead of mailing them

executive orders

Directives issued by the president that attempt to direct how federal agencies implement policy

postmarking delays

Delays in the Postal Service's dating of mail that could cause ballots to arrive too late to be counted