Ep. #144: How elections are called

The tension rises and the drama builds. The results have been trickling in all night — first it was too early to call, then it was too close to call. But, finally, the networks are ready. The anchor cuts off whoever is speaking and says “we’re ready to make a projection.” There’s a brief pause as the graphics come on the screen and the music pipes in. It took a long time, but the network is now ready to project a government. Will it be majority or minority, Liberal or Conservative (or something else)? It’s the most dramatic moment of every election night special. But a lot of work goes into making that call. Just how is it done? In this episode of The Writ Podcast , I’m joined by Meg Banks, senior producer, CBC News Elections. I’ve worked with her on many elections in the past and I’m really pleased she could join me to explain how the decision desk makes its calls. (This is an extra episode of the podcast — I’ll be back with another episode tomorrow!) In addition to listening to this episode of The Writ Podcast in your inbox, at TheWrit.ca or on podcast apps like Apple Podcasts , you can also watch this episode on YouTube . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

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Ep. #144: How elections are called is an episode from The Writ Podcast by Éric Grenier.

This episode is 35:56 long.

This episode was published on Apr 22, 2025.

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