- By December 11, states must nominate a set of electors to represent them in the Electoral College vote that will formally elect the president.
- Electors will gather in their state capitals on December 17 to formally cast their votes for the presidential candidates
- On January 6, the last formal step will take place – a meeting of the combined houses of Congress, during which the electoral votes will be formally counted and their result approved.
- The end of the term of office of the outgoing president and the beginning of the term of office of the new one are set by the US Constitution on January 20.
- More important information can be found on the Onet home page
When the last polls close on the West Coast and Alaska on November 5, this will be it the end of the election marathon and at the same time the beginning of another long processwhich includes: counting votes, resolving probable disputes, approving results, voting in the Electoral Collegeto the formal confirmation of the winner by Congress and the inauguration of the new president.
Just like four years ago, you should expect that Vote counting in some states may take several days. Traditionally, among the slowest counting are the largest — California and New York — but also arguably the most important to the election outcome is Pennsylvania.
Theoretically, it is possible that the winner will be announced by the media and research centers on election night, but polls suggest that the differences between the candidates’ results will be minimal and the winner will be known – as in 2020 – only in the following days.
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US presidential elections. Schedule
However, the closing of the ballot boxes will trigger a precise schedule for further formal steps specified in the law. Despite the high probability of election protests, contesting the results in courts and recounting votes, there is relatively little time to resolve disputes.
By December 11, state governments must nominate a set of electors to represent them in the Electoral College vote that will formally elect the president. Electoral votes are supposed to reflect who won in a given state.
Electors will gather in their state capitals on December 17to formally vote for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates and send them to the President of the Senate (Vice President Kamala Harris) and the Archivist of the United States.
Votes sent in six copies must arrive there by December 25, and then the Archivist must send them to the US Congress by January 3 – the day of the inauguration of the new parliament. Three days later it will happen the last formal step – a meeting of the combined houses of Congress, during which the electoral votes will be formally counted and their result approved.
Although the meeting of Congress on January 6 is usually a formality, four years ago it was held in an atmosphere of great controversy. Then-President Donald Trump, who was running for reelection that year, pressured Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to certify the result, and the procedure was interrupted when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.
A new president takes office
Although this time Pence will be played by Kamala Harris, and Congress has introduced amendments to the electoral law making it difficult to contest the result, According to the Politico website, renewed turmoil cannot be ruled out. It should be remembered that on November 5, Americans will elect not only the president, but also all 435 members of the House of Representatives and one third of the Senate.
If the Republican Party maintains control of the House of Representatives and wins a majority in the Senate – both scenarios are likely – it will be able to formally challenge a possible Harris victory, and the president will then be chosen by the House of Representatives.
Any controversy will have to be resolved within two weeks, regardless of the eventual winner The US Constitution sets the end of the term of office of the outgoing president and the start of the term of office of the new one on January 20.
Election Countdown: A Comedy of Processes
Let’s dive into the thrilling world of U.S. presidential elections, where deadlines loom larger than some candidates’ hopes for office! We’re counting down to an event that makes New Year’s Eve look like a casual Sunday brunch. Buckle up, folks; it’s a wild ride through electoral timelines, like herding cats – in a coat of confusion!
Mark Your Calendars!
- By December 11, states must nominate electors to represent them in the Electoral College vote that will formally elect the president.
- Electors will gather in their state capitals on December 17 to formally cast their votes for the presidential candidates.
- On January 6, Congress will meet to formally count the electoral votes and approve their results.
- President Trump will……oh wait, that might be yesterday’s news. Regardless, the outgoing president’s term ends, and the new one will take over on January 20.
- More important information can be found on the Onet home page
As the last polls close on the West Coast and Alaska on November 5, we can expect an election marathon resembling a never-ending Netflix series. Just when you thought it was over, we enter the long process of vote counting, disputes, and the dreaded “what do you mean I have to wait for the results?!”
The Waiting Game
Expect delays! That’s right! Just like your friend who promises to show up at 6 but really means 8, with some states taking days—yes, DAYS— to count their votes. Some of the slowest culprits? California and New York. But if we’re looking for the pièce de résistance, look no further than Pennsylvania, the heavyweight champion of electoral suspense! Grab your popcorn, folks!
Now let’s be real, the media might throw out a winner on election night, but just like your last Tinder date, it might not be as straightforward as it seems. Polls suggest we might just have to endure a nail-biting wait, with the outcome clearer only days later. Who says elections can’t give you anxiety? It’s the new cardio!
The Formalities Galore
Once the ballots are safely tucked away, the formalities kick in, making tax season look like a leisurely stroll in the park. Yes, we’re talking about a carefully orchestrated series of events set by law. Buckle up for legal challenges and protests over the results—like a reality show, but instead of roses, we might just see legal briefs!
By December 11, states must nominate their electors, who will treat the Electoral College like a thirst trap. Cut to December 17, when these electors gather to vote in their state capitals as if they’re figuring out who gets the last slice of pizza.
A Memorable January
Fast forward to January 6, when Congress takes center stage, but let’s hope their performance is a little less dramatic than last time! Remember the unforgettable scenes from four years ago? Spoiler alert: the Capitol was stormed. If they want a rerun, they might want to simplify things a bit—like, I don’t know, ordering pizza instead of overcooked democracy!
And by January 20, we’ve got ourselves a new president (or maybe a déjà vu with the old one)! But here’s the kicker—if the Republican Party maintains control and challenges a possible Harris victory, these elections could make the last season of your favorite show seem like an uncomplicated family sitcom.
The Electoral Soap Opera Continues
With all these twists and turns, it’s no wonder that election disputes have a two-week debriefing period. It’s like a courtroom drama where no one really wins, but everyone gets a bit of screen time!
So, as we gear up for this high-stakes game of electoral chess, mark your calendars, hold onto your hats, and brush up on your legal jargon. Because this election might not just be about who wins or loses, but also about how entertaining the journey can be! And remember, in the world of politics, the only certainty is unpredictability—much like my last attempt at cooking!
Stay tuned, everyone!
