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-Editorial
On January 6, 2025, the 119th United States Congress convened in a joint session to count Electoral College ballots, officially certifying President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. This process, governed by the Electoral Count Act and the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022, marked the final step in confirming the election results.
Harris became the first incumbent vice president since Al Gore in 2001 to preside over an electoral vote count in which she was a losing presidential candidate.
“Today, I will perform my constitutional duty as Vice President to certify the results of the 2024 election. This duty is a sacred obligation — one I will uphold guided by love of country, loyalty to our Constitution, and unwavering faith in the American people,” Harris wrote on social media.
“CONGRESS CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY TODAY — A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The certification of the 2024 presidential election marked the first such event since the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, when a mob of pro-Trump supporters attempted to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. The orderly session was hailed as a moment of restoration and unity, symbolizing the resilience of American democracy in the face of past challenges.
Former Vice President Mike Pence lauded the peaceful transfer of power as “the hallmark of our democracy” following the certification of the 2024 presidential election results on January 6, 2025. “Today, members of both parties in the House and Senate, along with the vice president, certified the election of our new president and vice president without controversy or objection,” Pence said.
He commended the return of civility to the proceedings, offering congratulations to President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. “I also commend the members of the House, Senate, and the Vice President who did their duty under the Constitution, it being particularly admirable that Vice President Harris would preside over the certification of a presidential election that she lost,” Pence added.
“As one of the last members evacuated from the House Gallery four years ago, I am forever grateful to the U.S. Capitol Police officers who courageously defended the Capitol and ensured the safety of our nation’s public servants. Their bravery is a reminder of the strength and resilience of our nation. We must continue to defend our democracy, now and always,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “True patriotism and love of country involves accepting the results of the election and promoting a peaceful transfer of power, regardless of whether your candidate won or lost. That’s what upholding our Constitution and real love of country is.”
The Electoral College, established under Article II of the Constitution, is responsible for electing the president and vice president. Each state appoints electors equal to its congressional delegation, and a majority of 270 votes is required for victory. Certificates of ascertainment and vote, prepared by each state, were submitted to Congress for the count.
The session adhered to reforms introduced in 2022, requiring at least 20% of each chamber of Congress to support any objections to the electoral vote. No objections were raised during this year’s count, and all votes were recorded as pledged.
