(CNN) -- Theodore Olson says he is not going anywhere after Election Day.
"I've been clearing my calendar just in case I need to be ready for the next five weeks," the Washington "super lawyer" and Romney adviser joked with CNN recently. "I don't know, no one knows, you read these polls and it could come out any of a zillion different ways."
Olson was the appellate attorney who successfully argued before the Supreme Court in the 2000 Florida ballot recount case, which handed the presidency to George W. Bush.
That five-week national drama remains fresh in the minds of political and legal experts, anticipating a possible repeat-- an election crisis in one or more battleground states on pre- and post-election issues.
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"Between provisional balloting, absentee balloting, and voting technology, I think there are untold different ways that this is a tense, contested election," said Rebecca Green, co-director of the Election Law Program at William & Mary Law School. "It's pretty certain there's going to be some litigation when this is over on November 6th."
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The voting wars are already being contested on broad canvas -- legislative initiatives, grassroots anti-suppression monitoring, social media campaigns, and months long court litigation.
Here are some potential voting issues and scenarios, based on reporting and research across CNN's various political platforms:
Voter identification and provisional ballots
The greatest source of contention and concern involves laws requiring some form of government-issued picture identification to register to vote and to cast ballots.
Eleven states have new laws in place, designed say supporters to stop fraud, purge voter rolls of outdated information, and restore confidence in the electoral process.
But critics-- led by a coalition of civil rights and other organizations say voter identification is an effort by some politicians -- through the legislature -- to disenfranchise certain voting groups, especially minorities.
How pervasive is any voter fraud? A recent investigation by CNN Justice Correspondent Joe Johns found 55 cases of voter fraud referred for prosecution by the Florida Secretary of State out of 11.6 million registered voters over five years, the latest period for which data is available.
"It's true that there is some voter fraud in this country," Richard Hasen a political science and law professor at the University of California-Irvine told CNN. "But there is no credible evidence that there is any systematic in-person voter fraud. It's not a serious problem."
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According to the Brennan Center for Justice, a legal liberal think tank at the New York University School of Law that has criticized the increase in what it sees as prohibitive voting laws, there have been 25 laws and two executive actions passed in 19 states since the beginning of 2011 which "could make it harder to vote."
But federal courts in recent weeks have, for the most part, limited the reach of these laws: blocking Texas' tough requirements; delaying implementation of Pennsylvania's laws until after November; and eliminating some voter registration requirements in Florida.
Ohio, which analysts say could be the key battleground state, has had many of its Republican-led legislative efforts thwarted. Federal and state courts have expanded early voting to everyone in the crucial last days before Tuesday.
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And courts have ordered the state to preserve the provisional votes of those who may have cast in error because of poll worker misinformation -- such as sending someone to the wrong polling place and precinct to cast the ballot.
The state has among the highest provisional ballot rates in the United States - an estimated 200,000 or more were cast in Ohio four years ago. About 40,000 were later declared ineligible. That could delay a final count in the presidential race for days.
Early voting and poll closings
Hurricane Sandy has forced last-minute scrambling among voting officials across the East Coast, where early voting had begun in earnest in several key states.
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One concern may be whether flooding will cause logistical headaches: a shortage of working voting equipment, or even the disappearance or destruction of thousands of absentee ballots being stored. Some voters may have lost the necessary ID to vote, or have trouble making it to the polls, especially in rural isolated areas.
The Pennsylvania Office of the Secretary of State has advised polling stations to keep paper ballots available at the polls for 20- to 25-percent of expected voters in order to alternate with electronic voting machines.
In Virginia, early in-person absentee voting has been delayed.
"Of course on Monday we had no voting at all. And Tuesday we didn't get started until 10 in the morning," said Tom Parkins, Voter Registrar in Alexandria. "So we lagged behind the 2008 turnout at this point. But, we're reasonably sure that's going to be made up late this week and this weekend."
Penn State students wait in line to vote in the student union building on the State College, Pennsylvania, campus on Tuesday.
Photos: America heads to the polls
Photos: Election outtakes
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, order food at a Wendy's restuarant in Richmond Heights, Ohio, on Tuesday.
Photos: From the campaign trail
A blur of waving flags greeted President Barack Obama's victory speech at an election night event in Chicago, Illinois.
Election 2012: The best photos
Misinformation campaigns
Misinformation of another kind: deliberate efforts to mislead, confuse, or pressure voters. American elections big and small have had such problems before -- but there is no sign it is any more pervasive this election year, based on CNN's interviews with state election officials.
The rise of social media has, in fact, created a misinformation campaign of its own, difficult to sort out fact from rumor, where even a whiff of wrongdoing can feed a wildfire of misplaced outrage and mistrust.
In Florida, another battleground, U.S. Postal Inspectors told CNN they have opened a preliminary investigation into a slew of bogus letters questioning the citizenship and registration of certain voters just two weeks before the election.
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Other Floridians -- many Republicans -- have said they had received calls from people claiming to represent the state, urging them to vote by phone-- something that is not allowed anywhere.
Some Virginians have received similar complaints.
The liberal ThinkProgress.org group has alleged Mitt Romney's campaign has been training poll watchers in Wisconsin with what it calls "highly misleading-- and sometimes downright false-- information" about voter rights. The campaign denies any such training.
And Wisconsin and Ohio have seen a deluge of billboards popping up with the message "Voter fraud is a felony." That is true, but some see them as clear intimidation, and prompted protests.
"It's the way they are being displayed and the fact that they are in almost exclusively areas or around areas that are predominantly African-American or Latino," said Wisconsin voting rights activist Eric Marshall. "It sends a message to those communities that there's a problem with your voting."
Court challenges
The Secretaries of State typically control elections, and staff members in key battlegrounds contacted by CNN say they are ready to handle any complaints or concerns.
Legal sources with the Obama and Romney campaigns told CNN they were closely watching potential problems, but would not offer specifics on the ground forces the campaigns have deployed, or any specific areas of concern.
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Many official complaints-- whether by individual citizens, private advocacy groups, the campaigns, or political parties-- could initially wind up in local courts. State or county judges may be asked to extend poll hours, or allow provisional ballots to be counted. The immediacy and urgency of the request will determine the scope and practicality of any bench ruling.
There has been a public expectation that courts would be the ultimate arbiters of any voting disputes, especially those in a post-election environment. Federal courts in Ohio in recent weeks have ruled against state efforts to limit access to early voting, and by doing so used unusual legal reasoning.
"These two rulings in Ohio could give Obama the edge," Hasen said on his blog. "What the Republican [state] legislatures have taken away, the federal courts, including some Republican judges, have restored, relying in part on the arguments conservative justices endorsed in Bush v. Gore.
The 2000 blockbuster relied on "equal protection" guarantees to dismiss Florida's ballot-counting procedures. It was a rare federal and judicial intervention into broad election administration, a duty the Constitution essentially bestows on the states.
Transparency and voter rolls
A little watched federal court ruling from June could have enormous impact on election related litigation. The 4th Circuit appeals court said the public can now view voter rolls, something only political parties could have previously accessed. That information may include voter history.
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That has prompted groups like True the Vote to launch pre-election challenges to voter rolls in several key states.
The tea party affiliated organization said it is "educating voters, examining the registry, recruiting, training and mobilizing election workers and poll watchers, training how to collect data all along the way, then use the data to shape government action and legislative agendas to support desperately needed election code reform. We are helping stop corruption where it can start-- at the polls."
Some elected leaders worry that greater access could lead to voter suppression. U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, wrote to True the Vote, asking for transparency in how the group conducts its business.
Several states -- including Maine and Arizona-- are considering legislation to eliminate or scale back the idea of secret ballots -- a concept that has been in place for decades.
Electoral college questions
Some voters may not realize they do not directly choose a president and vice president. Instead, they are voting to select representatives to the Electoral College, the body that actually determines who will lead the Executive Branch.
The Electors will meet December 17 in their state and vote for president and vice president on separate ballots. In the case of a tie between Romney and Obama, the House of Representatives would meet in January to decide the president, with each state getting one vote. The Senate decides the vice president.
The presidential election of 1800 was decided by the House; the confusing 1876 election was ultimately decided by a congressional panel which named the key Electoral College electors; and of course 2000 went to the Supreme Court.
"If the ultimate count in the Electoral College could go either way depending on a particular state," said Olson. "And if the vote in that state is very close, either side might conceivably want a recount and that sort of thing, and we'd be in it all over again. Hopefully not."
If Ohio turns out to be the key state, the nation may have to wait. Provisional ballots can only be counted after Election Day and local election boards are given up to 10 days to determine eligibility. Discrepancies such as recent address or name changes could complicate a process, where every vote is considered in play.
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Voters cast their ballots in Mansfield, Texas.
A man exits a voting booth at a fire station in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. As the New Jersey coastline continues to recover from Superstorm Sandy, numerous polling stations have had to merge and relocate due to storm damage and power outages.
Samantha Pelletier shows off her voting sticker outside Bristol's old Town Hall.
A man votes inside the Town Hall in Franconia, Minnesota.
Adults of the Uddin family, originally from Bangladesh, vote together at the Hightower Elementary School polling site in Doraville, Georgia.
An elderly women casts her vote at Salem Baptist Church in Sparta, Virginia.
A sign directs disabled voters to a polling site entrance at the Graham & Parks School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
People line up to cast their ballots at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C.
Kezia Gipson, 3, waits with her grandparents Doris Ross and Freddie Irvin in a voting line at the International Longshoremen's Association Office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday.
A man puts on an "I Voted" sticker after casting his ballot in Otter Creek, Iowa, on Tuesday.
A voter's shadow appears on the wall as he arrives at a Phoenix, Arizona, polling station Tuesday.
Robert Palmer, left, and Pat Payne wait in line to cast their vote at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
Horse Gall precinct clerk David Smith talks with poll worker and daughter-in-law Charlene Smith at the home of his father, Vincent Smith, in Varnville, South Carolina. The precinct's polling place is in the elder Smith's den.
Three-term Democratic congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Chris Murphy casts his vote with his 1-year-old son Rider at Cheshire High School in Cheshire, Connecticut.
A woman walks out of a polling place after voting in South Jordan, Utah. The Jordan River Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is visible in the background.
A voter casts her ballot in the gymnasium of Douglas Elementary School in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Gaberyel Chandler casts his vote with the help of safety patrol officer Cheyenne Roberts during a mock presidential election Tuesday at Emerald Shores Elementary School in Ocala, Florida.
A carved pumpkin greets voters at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kaira Ray watches as her grandmother Theresa Bigl votes at the old Town Hall in Bristol, New Hampshire.
A poll worker directs people to a temporary polling center in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, New York. Polling sites in Coney Island and the surrounding area were damaged during Superstorm Sandy.
Amy O'Neill, left, and Michelle Nowakowski show off an "I Voted" sticker on their Boston terrier Penny in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Voters cast their ballots at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C.
People cast their ballots inside a decorator's garage in South Philadelphia on Tuesday.
A person votes at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
A jogger on The Strand in the Los Angeles area community of Hermosa Beach passes a directional sign to a polling place at sunrise Tuesday.
Darrick West stands at a voting booth at Salem Baptist Church, on Tuesday in Sparta, Virginia.
A voter takes a moment to read a paper ballot before casting her vote on Chicago's Northside.
Voters mark paper ballots at Halloran Skating Rink in Cleveland, Ohio.
Derrick Banks wears an "I Voted" sticker on his forehead after casting his ballot in Chicago.
Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, kiss after casting their votes in Belmont, Massachusetts.
Republican vice presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan and his family head to the polls in Janesville, Wisconsin.
An election worker helps President Barack Obama as he votes early at the Martin Luther King Community Center in Chicago on October 25.
Vice President Joe Biden, center, heads toward the voting booth in Greenville, Delaware.
Stickers for voters are seen at Tremont Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio.
Voters line up to cast their vote at the Boston Public Library in Romney's home state of Massachusetts.
Citizens wait in line at a polling station in a senior appartment complex in Chicago.
A citizen votes at Carleton Middle School in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Voters line up at the Mount Pleasant Library early Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio.
Voters in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, wait to cast the first Election Day ballots of the U.S. presidential race shortly after midnight. The village has opened polls early since 1960, but for the first time in its history, there was a tie. Obama and Romney each received five votes.
Voters wait outside the Johnson County election office in Olathe, Kansas, on Monday, November 5, the last day of early voting.
Residents of Ocean County vote in Toms River, New Jersey, on Monday. A special early mail voting arrangement allows residents of the areas affected by Superstorm Sandy to vote in person with a mail-in ballot on short notice.
Two-year-old Ariel Ferreras accompanies his mother, Erika, as she votes in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Friday, November 2. Voters in Maryland broke the state's record for early voting turnout.
Early voters fill out their ballots on the first day of early voting in Miami on October 27. Early voting in the swing state of Florida was held for eight straight 12-hour days.
Carol Braddock of Los Angeles casts her vote in Norwalk, California, on October 25.
Jalani Hervey, 5, waits with his grandmother, Victoria Gross, while she stands in line to cast a ballot during early voting in Milwaukee on October 22.
Election judges William Moeller, left, and Harry Sabin transfer ballots from a drop box outside of the library in Denver on October 22.
Phignora Brown, left, gets assistance from a polling station worker as she casts her ballot on the first day of early voting in Las Vegas on October 20.
Electronic voting authorization cards are returned at the East Las Vegas Community Center polling station on October 20.
A man uses a touch screen voting booth to cast his ballot on the first day of early voting in Washington on October 22.
Jaime Grant carries her 11-month-old daughter, Brynn, and holds her 3-year-old son Brian's hand as she casts her ballot during early voting in College Park, Georgia, on October 19.
A voter displays an "I Voted" sticker on her lapel after voting early in Wilson, North Carolina, on October 18.
Kalli Hannafious holds her daughter Averie as she signs in for early voting in Anchorage, Alaska on October 2.
Jerry Nagel fills in his ballot during early voting at the Black Hawk County Courthouse in Waterloo, Iowa, on September 27, the first day of early voting in the state.
Voters enter the polling site at StarBridge Christian Center in Wildwood, Missouri.
Like an electoral version of "The Blob," 2012 sample ballots occasionally get out of hand.
Each party has its good-luck superstitions. Republicans rub the trunk of a stuffed elephant, while loyal Democrats feed pictures of the president to a donkey.
Ties! Ties! Get yer all-American red-striped Statue of Liberty ties right here!
The clever Bowzer the Mystery Dog gathers data as voters perform their civic duty.
Yeah, kid, we think it's been a long campaign, too.
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night can stop these mailboxes from their civic duty.
Children are always the quickest to adapt to new technologies.
No matter where you go, you just can't avoid them.
In Los Angeles, Election Day comes with some excellent entertainment.
Who knew that John Kerry and Chris Rock were running for president?
"I won! I won! I won!"
A Colorado voter is sucked into the Votron 3000 time machine. He ended up voting for Samuel Tilden.
In the spirit of Punxatawney Phil and Paul the Octopus, Bowzer the Mystery Dog prepares to pick the winner of the 2012 presidential election.
The rules are different in California.
These votes are about as clean as they come.
Perhaps we should combine polls and laundromats across the country.
No doubt, many voters will also cast their ballot with the "adult emporium" down the road.
Some voters are truly blank slates.
"Where's the pony? I was promised a pony!"
Romney boards his campaign plane in Bedford, Massachusetts. The Romney camp has decided to continue campaigning on Election Day.
President Barack Obama gets emotional at his final campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, November 5, on the eve of the U.S. presidential election. Obama's speech included references to his 2008 campaign and his victory in the Iowa caucuses, which helped catapult his political career.
The president and first lady Michelle Obama embrace Monday in Des Moines at his last campaign rally before the election.
A young supporter listens to Obama at Monday's rally in Des Moines.
Romney and his wife, Ann, greet supporters at a rally late Monday in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Ann Romney wipes away tears during her husband's campaign rally Monday in Manchester.
Romney reaches out to supporters Monday in Columbus, Ohio.
A Romney fan shows her support at Monday's rally in Columbus.
Obama, lower left, speaks during a campaign rally Monday in Madison, Wisconsin.
Workers put up signs Monday for Romney's election night event in Boston.
Obama is greeted by former President Bill Clinton during a campaign rally in Concord, New Hampshire, on Sunday, November 4. Obama and Romney darted from swing state to swing state, trying to fire up enthusiasm among supporters and win over any last wavering voters before Election Day.
Romney meets some young supporters during a campaign rally at the Hy-Vee Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sunday.
Romney arrives at Sunday's rally in Des Moines.
Obama arrives at a campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday, November 3.
Romney supporters attend a rally in Englewood, Colorado, on Saturday.
Obama arrives at Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport before an event in Mentor, Ohio, on Saturday.
President Barack Obama departs aboard Marine One for travel to campaign events in Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa and Virginia from the south lawn of the White House on Saturday.
Ann Romney offers pastries to journalists aboard GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign plane at Portsmouth International Airport in Newington, New Hampshire, on Saturday.
Supporters look on as Romney speaks during a campaign rally in Newington, New Hampshire, on Saturday.
President Barack Obama embraces Judith Kamalay after she introduced him during a campaign rally Friday, November 2, in Hilliard, Ohio.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney works aboard his campaign plane before takeoff Friday in Norfolk, Virginia.
Romney gets ready to step off his campaign bus during an event Thursday, November 1, in Doswell, Virginia.
Obama addresses a campaign rally Thursday at Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
U.S. Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney greets policemen who were part of his motorcade as he prepares to board his campaign plane in Roanoke, Virginia on Thursday.
Supporters wait to hear President Obama during a campaign rally at Austin Straubel International Airport on Thursday.
Mitt Romney holds a baby during a campaign event at Meadow Event Park on Thursday.
President Obama speaks during a campaign rally at Austin Straubel International Airport.
A Mitt Romney supporter holds an American flag during a campaign event at Meadow Event Park.
President Barack Obama greets and comforts victims of Hurricane Sandy at a shelter in Brigantine, New Jersey, on Wednesday, October 31.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney holds a campaign rally on Halloween at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday, October 31.
President Barack Obama speaks about the federal government's response to Superstorm Sandy at the headquarters of the Red Cross in Washington on Tuesday, October 30.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney accepts a food donation for storm victims at an event in Kettering, Ohio, on Tuesday.
Supporters listen as Romney speaks at an event to collect food and supply donations for storm victims in Kettering, Ohio, Tuesday.
Romney talks with advisers on his campaign bus while en route to a rally at Avon Lake High School on Monday, October 29, in Avon Lake, Ohio.
Obama makes a statement in the White House briefing room following a briefing on Hurricane Sandy on Monday in Washington. Obama returned early from a campaign trip to Florida and has canceled several other campaign events to monitor the storm.
Former President Bill Clinton speaks during a campaign rally with Vice President Joe Biden on Monday in Youngstown, Ohio. Obama had planned to attend the event but canceled to monitor Hurricane Sandy.
Obama steps off Air Force One on Monday upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
People line up in the rain for a campaign rally with Clinton and Biden on Monday in Youngstown, Ohio.
Democratic supporters listen during a campaign rally Monday with Clinton and Biden.
Romney greets supporters during a campaign rally at Avon Lake High School on Monday in Avon Lake, Ohio. Romney canceled other campaign events planned for Monday and Tuesday due to Hurricane Sandy.
A young girl looks on during a campaign rally for Romney at Avon Lake High School on Monday.
Romney speaks during a campaign rally at Seven Cities Sod on Monday in Davenport, Iowa.
Romney gets into his SUV after landing Monday in Vandalia, Ohio.
Romney holds a giant cinnamon roll on Monday en route to Dayton, Ohio.
A supporter of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan wears a campaign sticker on his shoe during a campaign rally at the Celina Fieldhouse in Celina, Ohio, on Sunday, October 28.
Obama delivers remarks during a campaign rally at Elm Street Middle School in Nashua, New Hampshire on Saturday, October 27. With 10 days to go before the presidential election, Obama and his opponent, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, are criss-crossing the country from one swing state to the next in an attempt to sway voters.
A young Romney supporter holds a homemade sign during a campaign rally at Ranger Jet Center on Saturday in Kissimmee, Florida.
Obama speaks at a campaign rally in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Saturday.
Romney emerges from his SUV at Akron-Canton Regional Airport on Saturday in Canton, Ohio.
Romney and his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, hold a campaign rally at Canton Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, on Friday, October 26.
Obama chats with firefighters after dropping off doughnuts for them at a fire station in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, October 25.
Romney, center, poses for a photo with workers at First Watch Cafe on Thursday.
Volunteers make phone calls seeking support for Romney at his Arlington Victory Center in Virginia.
Obama kisses a baby during a campaign rally at Byrd Park in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday.
Supporters take photos of Obama during a campaign rally at Ybor City Museum State Park in Tampa on Thursday.
Supporters look on as Romney speaks during a campaign rally at Jet Machine in Cincinnati.
Romney says goodbye to Ryan at Denver International airport on Wednesday, October 24.
Supporters cheer as Obama speaks during a campaign event at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday.
The president speaks with residents during a lunch with a group of Obama for America volunteers at an unanounced stop at Antonella's Pizzeria in Davenport, Iowa, on Wednesday.
Romney holds a campaign rally at the Reno Event Center in Nevada on Wednesday.
Obama greets people at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, Wednesday.
Romney gestures to the crowd during a campaign event at the Reno Event Center in Reno, Nevada on Wednesday.
Romney talks with his running mate Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin aboard their campaign plane on Tuesday, October 23, en route to Denver. A day after the final presidential debate, Romney is campaigning in Nevada and Colorado.
Obama and Romney hug their wives on stage after finishing their third and final presidential debate at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, on Monday, October 22.
Romney and his wife, Ann, try to relax backstage with members of their family before the start of Monday's debate.
Obama reads briefing material while meeting with advisers inside his cabin on Sunday, October 21, at Camp David, Maryland.
Republican candidate Mitt Romney plays with his grandson while having dinner on Sunday in Delray Beach, Florida.
Bartek Wawruch stands between cardboard cutouts of Obama and Romney at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, on Saturday, October 20, as the campus prepares for Monday's presidential debate.
Romney boards his campaign plane at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday, October 19.
Romney speaks with campaign staff on board his campaign plane at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, on Thursday, October 18.
Obama speaks during a rally at Veterans Memorial Park in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Thursday.
Jack Bunn, 51, and Jane Cookson, 57, cast their votes at the Board of Elections early voting station in Wilson, North Carolina, on Thursday.
Barack Obama and Jon Stewart speak during a break in the live taping of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" on Thursday.
Supporters of Mitt Romney attend a campaign rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Wednesday, October 17.
Mitt Romney is seen backstage through a campaign flag as he waits to take the stage at a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Wednesday.
Supporters of Obama listen to him speak during a rally at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, on Wednesday.
President Barack Obama arrives at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, for a campaign rally Wednesday.
A group of men watch the presidential debate on television screens at an electronics store in Miami on Tuesday, October 16.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney talks with aides aboard his campaign plane en route to Ronkonkoma, New York, on Tuesday.
A worker cleans a sign for the Commission on Presidential Debates before the second presidential debate in Hempstead, New York, on Tuesday.
Members of the production crew ready final preparations for the second presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney on Tuesday.
First lady Michelle Obama greets supporters during a campaign rally at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, on Monday, October 15.
Supporters of President Barack Obama cheer during the campaign rally at Ohio Wesleyan on Monday.
Obama jokes about a telephone with campaign volunteers Alexa Kissinger, left, and Suzanne Stern as he makes calls from a campaign office in Williamsburg, Virginia, on Sunday, October 14.
Dolls depicting Obama and Mitt Romney are on display at a gift shop at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland on Sunday.
Romney holds up a baby as he works the rope line after delivering remarks at a rally in Lebanon, Ohio, on Saturday, October 13.
A supporter holds an American flag in front of the Ohio logo on his shirt as he stands with a crowd at Shawnee State University to hear Romney speak on Saturday.
Mario Orosa, left, and Ron Cathey, right, chat with Obama during dinner at Smith Commons restaurant in Washington on Friday, October 12. Obama had dinner with contest winners who contributed to his re-election campaign.
Romney, right, and GOP vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan greet supporters as they arrive at a rally in Lancaster, Ohio, on Friday.
Students walk past a political mural near Centre College in downtown Danville, Kentucky, where Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice-presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan faced off Thursday, October 11.
Ryan greets his son Sam after the debate in Danville, Kentucky, on Thursday.
Romney, left, speaks with the Rev. Billy Graham during a visit to the Graham cabin in Montreat, North Carolina, on Thursday.
Obama greets supporters at a campaign rally at the University of Miami on Thursday.
Romney and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie talk with supporters at Buns Bakery and Restaurant in Delaware, Ohio, on Wednesday, October 10. Romney is campaigning in Ohio with less than a month to go before the general election.
Christie, left, and Romney walk up to the stage at Ariel Corporation in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on Wednesday.
Centre College students Ben Boone, left, a stand-in for U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, and Tommy Munoz, a stand-in for Republican Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan, wave during a rehearsal for the vice presidential debate in Danville, Kentucky, on Wednesday.
Members of the media watch as President Barack Obama arrives aboard Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday, October 9, in Washington. The president was returning from a two-day campaign trip to California and Ohio.
Obama addresses supporters during a campaign event at The Ohio State University on Tuesday.
Two Obama supporters, one holding a Big Bird book and the other clutching a picture of the president, listen while he speaks at a rally at Ohio State on Tuesday.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney departs a Wendy's restaurant with his dinner order in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Tuesday.
Supporters cheer as Romney delivers remarks on the James Koch Farm in Van Meter, Iowa, on Tuesday.
Allan Banojakedjian, left, and Jesus Romero fill out their voter registration forms at the Miami-Dade Elections Department on the final day of registration for the upcoming presidential election.
Rain doesn't keep Romney from campaigning in Newport News, Virginia, on Monday, October 8.
Obama holds a campaign event Monday at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
Obama takes the stage at a campaign concert at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 7. The president has been on a three-day trip to California and Ohio.
Air Force One leaves a shadow as it passes over the Forum on approach to Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday.
Obama leaves the White House on Sunday to board Air Force One.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, greet workers at the Tin Fish restaurant following a rally Sunday in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Romney casts a shadow on a banner as he speaks during a campaign event in Apopka, Florida, on Saturday, October 6.
A supporter holds a photograph of Romney in Apopka on Saturday.
Jon Bon Jovi performs at an Obama for America event at the House of Blues in Las Vegas on Saturday. It was the last day people in Nevada could register to vote in the upcoming presidential election.
Romney speaks during a campaign event in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Friday, October 5.
Romney supporters listen during Friday's campaign event in St. Petersburg.
Obama smiles as he speaks during a campaign rally in Fairfax, Virginia on Friday.
Obama is assisted with putting on a raincoat onstage during a campaign rally at Cleveland State University on Friday.
Romney speaks in Fishersville, Virginia, as Secret Service members keep guard on Thursday, October 4. A day after the first presidential debate in Denver, Romney headed to Virginia to continue campaigning.
Romney supporters bow their heads in prayer during Thursday's event at the Augusta Expoland in Fishersville, Viriginia.
Obama addresses the crowd at the University of Wisconsin in Madison on Thursday.
Romney greets police officers before boarding his campaign plane in Denver on Thursday.
Obama speaks at a campaign rally in Denver on Thursday. He accused his Republican challenger of dishonesty over tax policy and other issues brought up in Wednesday night's presidential debate.
Audience members cheer as Obama makes his way onto the stage at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver on Thursday.
Reporters watch the final minutes of the debate between Romney and Obama in Denver on Wednesday, October 3. The first of four debates for the 2012 election -- three presidential and one vice-presidential -- was moderated by Jim Lehrer of PBS.
A member of the U.S. Secret Service keeps watch from the top of a building as Obama takes part in a debate walk-through at the University of Denver on Wednesday.
A seat is assigned to first lady Michelle Obama prior to Wednesday's debate.
Obama stands at the podium as he speaks during the debate on Wednesday.
Michelle and Barack Obama, left, join Mitt Romney and his family at the conclusion of the first presidential debate.
University of Denver student Sam Garry sits at the moderator's desk before a presidential debate dress rehearsal at the University of Denver on Tuesday, October 2.
Volunteers sit in for on-air television reporters on Tuesday in preparation for the first presidential debate in the Ritchie Center at the University of Denver.
Romney greets a father and his daughter after having lunch Tuesday at a restaurant in Denver.
Obama stares at the Hoover Dam in Nevada during a visit Tuesday.
Romney boards his campaign plane in Bedford, Massachusetts, on Monday, October 1. The Republican candidate was heading to Denver for the first presidential debate on Wednesday.
Obama hugs Chasstiry Vazquez after she indroduced him at a campaign event at Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas on Sunday, September 30.
Obama supporters cheer during Sunday's event in Las Vegas.
Romney leaves his campaign headquarters in Boston on Sunday.
A boy reaches out to shake hands with Obama on Sunday in Las Vegas. The president was in Nevada ahead of Wednesday's presidential debate in Denver.
Romney arrives at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Belmont to attend Sunday services.
Obama talks on the phone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in the Oval Office on Friday, September 28.
Romney speaks during a rally at Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Pennsylvania on Friday.
Romney talks to journalists aboard his campaign plane about his phone call with Netanyahu on Friday.
Cadets listen to Romney speak at a campaign rally Friday at the Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Romney addresses Friday's rally at the Valley Forge Military Academy and College.
Vice President Joe Biden hugs U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, as he arrives for a campaign event Friday in Boca Raton, Florida.
Romney speaks at a Veterans for Romney campaign event in Springfield, Virginia, on Thursday, September 27.
Obama supporters cheer at a campaign rally Thursday in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Veterans at the American Legion Post 176 pray before Romney speaks Thursday in Springfield.
People listen to Obama speak at the Farm Bureau Live arena in Virginia Beach on Thursday.
Obama delivers remarks Thursday in Virginia Beach.
Supporters cheer as Romney speaks at SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo, Ohio, on Wednesday, September 26.
Romney speaks during a roundtable discussion on manufacturing at American Spring Wire in Bedford Heights, Ohio, on Wednesday.
Supporters wait to see Obama on Wednesday at Toledo Express Airport in Bowling Green, Ohio. Air For One aborted an initial landing attempt in Ohio due to weather conditions.
Obama addresses supporters at Bowling Green State University on Wednesday.
Romney delivers remarks during a campaign rally Wednesday at Westerville South High School in Westerville, Ohio.
Former President Bill Clinton introduces Obama during the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York on Tuesday, September 25.
Supporters cheer during a Republican campaign rally Tuesday with Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, at Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio.
Ryan speaks Tuesday in Vandalia as Sen. Rand Paul, from left, Sen. Rob Portman and Romney listen.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush hugs a waitress as they wait for Ryan's arrival during a campaign stop at a restaurant in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood on Saturday, September 22.
Supporters cheer as they listen to Romney speak during a Juntos Con Romney Rally at the Darwin Fuchs Pavilion on Wednesday, September 19, in Miami.
Romney shakes hands with supporters during the Juntos Con Romney Rally in Miami on Wednesday.
Obama and David Letterman speak during a break in the taping of the "Late Show with David Letterman" on Tuesday, September 18, at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York.
A crew member opens the door to Air Force One after the jet arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York on Tuesday.
From left to right: Romney, his wife Ann, and son Tagg watch one of Tagg's sons play soccer in Belmont, Massachusetts, on Saturday, September 15.
Ryan arrives onstage to address the Family Research Council Action Values Voter Summit on Friday, September 14.
Supporters wait for Romney to speak at a campaign rally at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, on Friday, September 14.
Obama arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Thursday, September 13. Obama returned to Washington after a two-day campaign trip with events in Nevada and Colorado.
Supporters cheer as Romney speaks at a campaign rally in Fairfax, Virginia, on Thursday.
An Obama supporter attends a rally in Las Vegas on Wednesday, September 12. Obama focused on economic policies during his two days of campaigning in Nevada and Colorado.
Former President Bill Clinton speaks in support of Obama during a campaign stop in Miami on Tuesday, September 11.
Obama is lifted up by Scott Van Duzer, owner of Big Apple Pizza and Pasta Italian Restaurant, during a visit to the restaurant in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Sunday, September 9. Obama was on a two-day bus tour across the state.
President Obama greets supporters during a campaign stop at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday.
Mitt Romney walks through the garage area during a rain delay before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 8, in Richmond, Virginia.
Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, waves to the crowd before speaking at a rally in Leesburg, Virginia, on Friday, September 7.
Supporters try to stay dry in between rain showers while waiting for President Obama to speak at the University of Iowa on Friday. It was Obama's first day of campaigning after accepting the presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A girl listens to President Obama speak at the University of Iowa on Friday.
Vice President Joe Biden, first lady Michelle Obama, President Obama and Biden's wife, Jill, wave after Friday's campaign event at the University of Iowa.
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden look ahead to a second term and vowed to fight for equal opportunity for all.
Flags fluttered in Chicago as President Barack Obama delivered his victory speech after being reelected for a second term.
First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden hugged and will spend four more years in the public eye.
Red, white and blue confetti snowed down on President Barack Obama after a victory speech that promised brighter days ahead.
A supporter listened intently to President Barack Obama's victory speech in Chicago.
"We know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come," President Obama said in a victory speech met by prolonged cheers.
President Barack Obama embraced Vice President Joe Biden after delivering his victory speech at McCormick Place in Chicago.
With first lady Michell Obama at his side, President Barack Obama gave the crowd a wave at an election night celebration in Chicago.
Children climbed trees outside the White House in Washington as people celebrated President Obama's victory at the polls.
A South Korean woman carried a cardboard cutout of Republican Mitt Romney at an election night party in Seoul. South Koreans watched the race closely.
President Barack Obama rode a wave of broad support from minorities, women and moderates to win re-election.
Emotion washed over an Obama supporter as the newly reeleted president deivered his victory speech in Chicago.
President Barack Obama embraced first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia moments before he delivered a rousing victory speech.
Obama supporters beamed and cheered as he delivered an inspiring and inclusive victory speech.
Victorious, President Barack Obama was joined onstage by first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia.
Young Obama supporters watched the president stride onto the stage to deliver his victory speech.
President Barack Obama clapped onstage in Chicago as the crowd cheered his reelection.
President Barack Obama walked onstage with first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia to deliver his victory speech.
People gathered in Times Square in New York City and celebrated four more years in office for President Barack Obama.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney conceded and hugged his running mate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin.
People celebrated in front of the White House in Washington after Barack Obama won a second term as president.
Mitt Romney slowly walked offstage in Boston after conceding the election to President Barack Obama.
Republican candidate Mitt Romney hung his head and smiled as he strode onto the stage to give his concession speech.
Mitt Romney waved to a crowd of supporters before conceding the presidency.
Romney supporters sought comfort in each other as his chances for the presidency faded.
An Obama supporter clutched a flag and a smart phone at an election night rally in Chicago.
Obama supporters attentively watched televised election results at an election night event in Chicago.
A supporter checks his smart phone while he waits for Republican Mitt Romney to give his concession speech in Boston, Massachusetts.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama embraced Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden moments after the election was called in their favor.
Keesha Patterson, left, proposed to Rowan Ha during a rally at Obama headquarters in Chicago. The women live in Maryland, where voters approved same-sex marriage.
Ajay Narayan cheered in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the election was called for President Obama.
Obama supporters celebrated the president's projected victory at a watch party at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
A huge screen gave Obama supporters in Chicago plenty to cheer about: The president won a second term.
President Barack Obama's supporters were exuberant as the news got better and better on election night.
A dejected supporter of Republican candidate Mitt Romney slumped on the floor in Boston, Massachusetts.
President Obama's young supporters in Chicago cheered and waved flags.
The Empire State Building in New York City was lit in Democratic blue after President Obama won the hotly contested election.
A Romney supporter teared up as the presidency seemed to slip out of grasp.
Obama supporters in Chicago, his hometown, shared their joy at the president's projected victory.
Obama supporters raised their hands in victory at an election night watch party in Chicago.
Romney supporters in Boston were tearful and subdued as the numbers told a story they didn't want to hear.
A Romney supporter's bowed head and slumped shoulders revealed that it wasn't going to be the Republicans' night.
Big boards in Tampa reported results at an event sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. See the best of Romney and Obama on the campaign trail.
Party-goers wearing 'Stars and Stripes' clothing awaited results at an election night party at the U.S. Embassy in London.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was photographed aboard his campaign plane Tuesday in Boston, Massachusetts.
Voter Sheresa Walker used a flashlight for poll worker Lloyd Edwards in a tent set up as a polling place in Queens, New York. The area is still reeling from Superstorm Sandy.
Shadows were cast on a wall next to a television advertising "Election Night 2012" inside the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, where Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was scheduled to speak Tuesday evening.
A volunteer prepared ballots at a polling station in San Francisco, California.
Justin Stucki, Leah Quirk, and Kenady Pettingill, left to right, urged drivers to vote for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Spanish Springs, Nevada.
A sign directed voters to the gymnasium at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke with journalists during the last flight of his presidential campaign.
Raena Lamont, 3, wore a Captain America costume at a polling center Tuesday in Staten Island, New York.
A voter cast his ballot Tuesday in Mansfield, Texas.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney took a break from last-minute campaigning to greet workers in Richmond Heights, Ohio.
A voter's bicycle leaned against a wall at a lifeguard station, home to a polling place in Hermosa Beach, California.
Voters walked past a plethora of campaign signs after casting their ballots at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jesse James, whose home was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, prepared to vote in a makeshift tent set up as a polling place in Rockaway Park, a neighborhood in Queens, New York.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney waved to supporters at Pittsburgh International Airport in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
Workers prepared for President Barack Obama's election night rally at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
A street scene was reflected in the window of a gift shop near the White House in Washington, DC.
Mike Wegart, 30, stood in line to vote at the Venice Beach lifeguard station in Los Angeles.
Obama supporter Tonya Lewis rallied for votes outside a polling station in Tampa, Florida.
Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan left a campaign plane in Cleveland, Ohio.
President Obama greeted supporters outside a campaign office in Chicago.
A jogger on The Strand in the Los Angeles area community of Hermosa Beach passed a directional sign to a polling place at sunrise.
The stage was set for Obama's election night event in Chicago.
James Tate, 45, held a sign in support of the Republican ticket in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A nun waited in line to cast her vote in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Children's books about politics lined a wall where citizens waited to cast their vote in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Volunteer David Bowser peeked outside the Pinellas County Democratic Party headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Election inspector Jim Nodorft prepared to hang the U.S. flag outside the Smelser Town Hall as polls opened at 7 a.m. in Georgetown, Wisconsin.
People headed to a polling station at Washington's Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Tuesday.
The sunrise was visible through a bus window on Election Day in Chicago.
Voters entered Washington Mill Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia, to cast their ballots Tuesday.
Rain did no deter voters from waiting in line in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Sunshine State -- with its 29 electoral votes -- was a key player in determining the next president.
A young girl peered out from under a voting booth as her mother cast a ballot at the Bishop Leo O'Neil Youth Center in Manchester, New Hampshire.
William Carpenter, an assistant fire chief, put up an election rules sign at the entrance of a firehouse polling station Tuesday in Port Royal, Virginia.
Poll worker David Smith used a tape measure to mark a boundary at a Bowling Green, Ohio, school to keep local politicians 100 feet away from where voters cast ballots.
Precinct official Bill Partlow inspected a voting machine before polls open Tuesday in Pineville, North Carolina.
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