Congress is converging for a joint session to certify the results of the 2024 Presidential Election, the last step before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, after some serious changes to security for the ceremony and the law that dictates how it’s executed.
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| Donald Trump (Republican Party) | Kamala Harris (Democratic Party) |
Prior to 2021, the Congress’ constitutionally mandated responsibilities to count electoral certifications from the states and for the results to be certified on Jan. 6 often passed in less than an hour with little notice from the public.
However, the happenings of four (4) years ago make this a more keenly watched affair.
The US Capital, Washington, D.C., is under intense security — not just for the certification of the vote, but also for the state funeral of the 39th President of the US, Jimmy Carter, at the end of this week and Trump’s inauguration in two weeks.
Police are on high alert for any possibility of threats to the certification of the electoral votes, authorities say.
Vice President’s role in the certification of electoral votes:
The certification of the electoral votes will be presided over by VP Kamala Harris, this places her in the unenviable position of certifying the victory of her 2024 opponent, Republican candidate, Donald Trump. As defined by the law enacted in 2022 by Congress, the role of the VP is purely ceremonial.
The Electoral Count Reform Act enhanced some of the provisions that Trump attempted to use to challenge the electoral count on Jan. 6, 2021.
The law also makes it more difficult for Congress to challenge a state’s electoral votes.
Certifying the vote:
- Procession of the ballots
- Procession of senators to the House
- Members convene for joint session
- “Tellers” come to the dais
- If the threshold for an objection is reached
- Completing the process
