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Electoral Vote Joint Session Scheduled

Full Title:
A concurrent resolution to provide for the counting on January 6, 2025, of the electoral votes for President and Vice President of the United States.

Summary#

This is a routine plan for how Congress will meet to count Electoral College votes for President and Vice President. It sets the date, time, place, and simple steps for the joint session where the count happens. It is not a new law and does not change any election rules or results.

  • Sets a joint meeting of the House and Senate on January 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the House chamber in Washington, D.C.
  • The Vice President (as President of the Senate) will preside over the session.
  • Two vote counters (“tellers”) from the Senate and two from the House will be appointed to read and tally the votes.
  • State certificates will be opened and read in alphabetical order.
  • Tellers will total the votes; the Vice President will announce the result, which will be recorded in the official House and Senate journals.
  • Does not change how objections or disputes are handled; existing law still applies.

What it means for you#

  • Voters and the public:
    • No change to your vote or the election outcome. This only sets when and how Congress does the official count.
    • You will know when to watch the final, public count of electoral votes.
  • Candidates and campaigns:
    • Provides a clear, official time when the electoral vote result will be announced.
  • States and election officials:
    • No new duties. Your previously submitted certificates will be opened and read.
  • Members of Congress and staff:
    • Confirms roles (presiding officer and tellers) and timing for the joint session.

Expenses#

Estimated cost: minimal, routine operational costs for a joint session of Congress.

  • Uses existing staff, security, and facilities already budgeted.
  • No new programs or mandates; no costs to states or the public.

Proponents' View#

  • Ensures a clear, orderly, and transparent count of electoral votes.
  • Fulfills a constitutional duty on a set schedule.
  • Avoids confusion by laying out who presides, who counts, and the order of counting.
  • Supports the peaceful completion of the election process.

Opponents' View#

  • No publicly available information.