President Barack Obama appeared to win a second term in the White House late November 6, sharply reducing the likelihood of any major post-election legal battles in key states like Florida, where the vote totals are so close it appeared a recount might be necessary.

The major television networks had projected Obama as the winner by 11:30 p.m., after a day of voting problems that legal experts say could still become the subject of litigation since they could affect “down-ballot” races.