How Is the Presidential Vote Finalized?

On November 5, 2024, American citizens voted for their choice as President and Vice President of the United States. In case of any disputes about the election, federal law requires all states to settle all disputes and choose their electors at least six days before members of the Electoral College meet in person. The Electoral College met on December 17, 2024, and Donald Trump and JD Vance received 312 votes, far more than the required 170 votes.

Federal statute also requires states to deliver the certified results of their elections to Congress by either direct mail or by messenger. The Twelfth Amendment requires a joint session of Congress to be held on January 6 “to count the electoral votes and to declare the winners of the presidential election.” If there is a delay to the process and the process is not finished by January 20, the Speaker of the House of Representatives “would serve as president until Congress certifies a winner of the presidential election.”

Congressional members met on Monday in a joint session, and Vice President Kamala Harris, as President of the Senate, presided over the meeting. The sealed certificates from each state were presented, and Harris declared Donald J. Trump to be the next President of the United States. He will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, along with his Vice President JD Vance.