As the dust settles from the ballots cast and counted following Election Day on November 5, the United States now shifts focus to the next critical milestone in the presidential election process: the day the Electoral College meets to verify the decision.

This isn’t just a check-the-box formality. it’s a core fixture of American democracy, where the College formally votes to select the next President and Vice President. Set for December 17, 2024, this meeting of delegates represents a constitutional duty as old as the country itself, laying down a crucial step in transferring – or reaffirming – power.

Who won the 2024 US Presidential Election?

At the time of writing, he doesn’t quite have the 270 electoral votes he needs, but the threshold is close enough for some outlets to have declared Donald Trump the next US President. And he took to the stage in front of his supporters in West Palm Beach late on Tuesday, talking of “a political victory that our country has never seen before.

“This will truly be the golden age of America,” Trump continued. “This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.”

What happens on December 17, 2024?

On December 17, chosen delegates from all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, will meet in their respective capitals to cast votes for President and Vice President. These individuals, often party loyalists, were selected by voters to represent their state’s choice. Their task is straightforward yet powerful: to officially record the preferences of millions of Americans in the form of electoral votes.

As electors gather, they’ll combine their votes with Certificates of Ascertainment – documents signed off by state officials that list the electors selected in each state. Each state’s vote is neatly packed and sent off to Washington, D.C., where it must arrive no later than December 25. A fitting deadline, perhaps, for the grand gift of democracy.

Why the Electoral College system?

The Electoral College isn’t without its critics. Some argue it can underrepresent the popular vote, while others defend it as a guardrail of federalism, ensuring that smaller states still hold meaningful power in choosing the President. However you feel about it, the process is deeply ingrained, and barring any sudden constitutional amendments, it’s here to stay.

What’s critical to know is that the Electoral College doesn’t just cast a ballot; it secures the selection. December 17, therefore, isn’t a backup date or a formality; it’s a legally binding moment. After these votes are cast, the gears of transition begin to turn, as each elector’s choice is locked into the federal record.

When does Congress make it official?

After the electoral votes arrive, Congress has one final role to play. On January 6, 2025, in a joint session, the House and Senate will count these votes, a process led by the President of the Senate. The whole ordeal can be quick – or a bit prolonged, depending on any potential objections from Congress members. But barring any upsets, or a massive insurrection, this step certifies the Electoral College’s choice.

When is Inauguration Day? Why does it take so long?

The culmination of this process is Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025, when the President-elect will take the Oath of Office. By noon, the United States will see President Donald 2.0, when he’ll become just the second in history to serve non-consecutive terms. This peaceful transfer of power is designed to reinforce that, no matter the politics, the institution endures.

The process may seem lengthy, even cumbersome, but the timeline exists to handle disputes and potential recounts and to ensure every state has time to finalise its results. This period allows every branch of government to play its part.