Explained: Why it's still too early to call the US Senate race in Mississippi

Nearly 2,500 votes separate Democrat Scott Colom and Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith as of Friday

Outstanding vote estimate

AP's calculation of how many votes remain to be counted, based on turnout history, population and registration data

Provisional ballot

A ballot cast when a voter lacks ID or has an inactive registration; only counted if the voter later verifies eligibility

Absentee ballot

A ballot cast by voters unable to vote in person, requiring an excuse in Mississippi and must be postmarked by Election Day

Certified results

Official final vote totals counties must report to the state, due 10 days after the election on Nov. 13

Court-ordered recount

In Mississippi, recounts only occur if a court orders one; there is no automatic or candidate-requested recount