Vice President Harris and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson presided over a joint session of Congress to certify the 2024 presidential election.
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Congress convened on Monday amidst a snowstorm to certify Donald Trump’s election victory in a smooth and orderly process, contrasting starkly with four years ago when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.
Vice President Harris, overseeing the proceedings, announced the final tally of the electoral votes: 312 to 226.
Unlike the contentious certification in previous years, there were no objections raised during the hour-long session, marking a return to a typically unremarkable bureaucratic duty that affirms the counting of electoral votes.
Four tellers—two from each chamber—proclaimed that each state’s electoral certificates were “regular in form and authentic.” Lawmakers from both sides applauded respectfully after each result was read. Vice President-elect JD Vance celebrated his election certification alongside applause from his fellow legislators.
The session concluded with a standing ovation for Harris, the only moment of bipartisan applause during the proceedings.
After the certification, Harris emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, stating, “This should be the norm, and the American people should be able to take it for granted as a fundamental pillar of our democracy.” She also affirmed her commitment to upholding democratic values.
Lawmakers convened in Congress to certify the 2024 election, while Washington, DC faced severe weather conditions. Enhanced security measures were in place during this pivotal moment in the nation’s electoral process.
Reflecting on 2021
In a stark reflection of the past, former President Trump had used charged rhetoric during a rally in 2021, urging his supporters to fight against the electoral certification. On that day, Pence’s refusal to block the certification sparked violence from some attendees.
In acknowledgment of the peaceful transfer of power, Pence later expressed gratitude for the smooth process and commended Harris for presiding over the certification of an election she lost.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also remarked on the proceedings, sitting alongside Harris during the certification.
Prior to the event, several Democratic lawmakers voiced their concerns regarding Trump’s actions in 2021 while emphasizing the necessity of proceeding without any disruption, arguing against attempts to revise the narrative of that day’s events.
Changes in Certification Process
In response to the Capitol riot, Congress enacted new election reform measures to clarify the certification process, including the new Electoral Count Reform Act (ECRA). This law updates the objection process, requiring a higher threshold for objections to election results.
The ECRA established that objections must now be signed by one-fifth of each chamber of Congress, effectively narrowing the scope for legislative challenges and clarifying acceptable grounds for objection.
The Department of Justice reported that over 1,500 individuals have been charged with crimes related to the January 6 events, including assaults against law enforcement and damage to federal property. Investigations continue as the FBI seeks additional suspects.
Amidst ongoing legal battles, requests for pardons from individuals involved in the Capitol insurrection persist. The upcoming inauguration of Trump on January 20 at the Capitol symbolizes a significant moment in U.S. political history.
