For a period stretching back to the past four years, one object of significance attracted attention in Elissa Slotkin’s office: a baseball bat. As one of Michigan’s Democrats she felt a need to buy it after a chaotic date, January 6, 2021. The bat had been a response to a turbulent crowd of avid Trump followers who had entered the U.S. Capitol building on that day. Broken glass scattered across the floors and entrances as they proceeded to explore the premises, in a confrontational manner with Capitol police officers and successfully entering the deserted House and Senate chambers. These areas were still buzzing from the lawmakers’ meeting that had been organized to officially recognize the results of the 2020 presidential elections.
The experience was quite harrowing for Slotkin who had recently transitioned from being a House member to starting her first term as a U.S. senator. Being barricaded in the office amidst the chaos, eyes frantically searching for any kind of protective tool, an image which very much describes her state of mind at the time. But that fear was not her’s alone, others present were also equally concerned about how to defend themselves from a rampaging crowd.
After the riot, Congress reconvened and persisted deep into the twilight hours of January 7, laboriously finalizing Joe Biden’s successful campaign for the 2020 presidency. A subset of Republican lawmakers expressed their intent to challenge the outcome in key states with fluctuating preferences, but such intentions met with dismissal from their peers.
In the upcoming weeks, lawmakers will be engaged in a similar proceeding: the finalization of election results. However, this time around the result is not contested but much anticipated. The session is set to be led by Trump’s opposing candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, and what they will be certifying is the return of one of America’s most charismatic leaders, Donald Trump, to power.
Lawmakers seem to be confident with regards to the January 6, 2025, election certification, expecting the process to transpire without disturbances. This quadrennial event marking the culmination of the Electoral College process is regarded as ceremonious among those in Congress. Barring an exceptional case back in 2021, the process is usually routine and without much deviation.
Part of the unique incidents that occurred back in 2021 leading to the unpopular second impeachment of the president, resulting in a unique set of federal charges being leveled against former President Trump. These charges were later withdrawn following his triumphant return in the 2024 elections. As he readies himself for a familiar role, Trump expresses contemplation over pardoning a selection of individuals involved in the Capitol incident.
Moreover, the culmination of Election Day 2024 saw each state proclaim the selection of the Electoral College electors. Subsequently, this list was directed to the federal archivist via the respective state’s governor. In a month’s time, these electors gathered in their respective states for the all-important task of casting their votes in December.
Afterward, the voting record or certificates were sent to the President of the Senate. This upcoming Monday sees the confluence of the House and Senate for a joint session to examine these certificates, a proceeding defined by the 12th Amendment to the Constitution.
Each state’s certificates are read in alphabetical order, starting from Alabama and finishing with Wyoming. Any lawmaker could voice an objection to a given certificate as it’s laid out. That was the status quo, but an alteration was brought about by the 2022 Electoral Count Reform Act.
The 2022 Electoral Count Reform Act altered the existing process, escalating the number of objections required from a single senator or House member to 20% of each Congress chamber. This move was aimed at making it considerably more challenging for lawmakers to repeat any attempts like those seen in 2021, which had aimed at overturning the election results.
Moreover, the Act clarified that the vice president isn’t given any authority to approve or reject electors, and made it mandatory for Congress to accept one official certificate of electors from each state. This came following an incident in 2021, when Trump, in his boundless enthusiasm to secure the outcome, appealed to Pence during the certification process, which Pence later clarified to be power he never possessed.
The political platforms don’t anticipate any grandiose displays this time. The presidential election is predicted to conclude without complications on the upcoming Monday afternoon. Once the results are officially recognized, Trump is set to prepare for his forthcoming inauguration on the 20th of January.
Trump’s eventual return to the commanding heights of American politics is a testament to his undeniably astute political acumen and his resilient connection with the American people. Trump, a figure of charisma and controversy, will be taking office once again, to the joy and anticipation of his tireless followers.
As this momentous return of leadership is being orchestrated, the country looks forward to witnessing the actions and decisions of a leader who has once again captured the highest office. With an air of unassailable confidence, Trump approaches these historic moments with characteristic boldness and an unwavering commitment to the American people.