The upcoming 2024 presidential election is anticipated to be closely contested, with uncertainty looming over whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Trump will emerge victorious. Regardless of the outcome, Harris is set to co-preside over the Electoral College results certification on Jan. 6, 2025, alongside the House and Senate.
Jan. 6 has historically been a ceremonial event for tabulating electoral votes, but following the tumultuous events of four years ago, it has transformed into a significant national security affair akin to the State of the Union address. The presence of Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, adds a layer of intensity to the certification process.
During joint sessions of Congress, the vice president, as the president of the Senate, plays a crucial role alongside the speaker of the House. The composition of the dais for the Electoral College certification next year will depend on the party controlling the House, with potential figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries presiding.
Notably, recent changes to the Electoral Count Act have clarified the ceremonial nature of the vice president's role in the certification process, emphasizing that the vice president lacks the authority to accept or reject electors. The amended law also raises the threshold for challenging a state's electoral slate, requiring support from one-fifth of each chamber.
Ultimately, Harris's presence as the Democratic nominee overseeing her own election or defeat adds a unique dynamic to the upcoming certification proceedings, underscoring the heightened political atmosphere surrounding the event.
