What happens after polls close in Georgia on Election Day?

A vote sign in front of a polling location underneath a tree.
Smyrna Community Center is one of several polling locations open where Cobb County residents can vote early. (Meimei Xu/WABE)

This story was updated on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 12:54 p.m.

Millions are heading to the polls for early voting in Georgia during a contentious election cycle, one that has been characterized by election misinformation and legal battles surrounding polling procedures and rules.

After polls close in Georgia on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m., a few steps remain before the state confirms the winners of the election.