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WASHINGTON: This year’s election was not the last step in selecting Joe Biden as the next American president. Under a system that has been modified for two centuries, there is still a weeks timeline during which the 538-member Electoral College formally selects the president.
A look at the key steps:
> When American citizens voted for Biden or President Donald Trump, they were actually voting for the voters in their state. In most cases, those voters are committed to supporting the winning candidate in the state. The number of voters is equal to the number of electoral votes in each state. State laws vary as to how voters are selected, but generally, state party leaders choose a list of voters for each party’s candidate.
> The states are still counting and certifying the results of the popular vote. When the count is complete, the law requires each governor to prepare “as soon as possible” documents known as “Verification Certificates” of the vote. The certificates list the names of the voters and the number of votes cast for the winner and loser. The certificates, which bear the seal of each state, are sent to the archivist in the United States.
> December 8 It is the deadline for resolving election disputes at the state level. All state recount and court challenges to presidential election results must be completed by this date. The Trump campaign is challenging the vote count in several states through legal challenges, but none of those efforts are expected to alter the outcome.
> December 14th: Voters vote by ballot in their respective states and the District of Columbia. Thirty-three states and DC have party laws or regulations that require voters to vote in the same manner as the popular vote in the state. In some states, dishonest voters can be replaced or subject to penalties, according to the Congressional Research Service. The votes for president and vice president are counted and voters sign six “Certificates of Vote.” The certificates, along with other official documents, are sent by certified mail to various officials, including the President of the Senate.
> December 23th: Certificates must be delivered to designated officials. If they are not delivered, the law offers alternative avenues to get the results to Washington.
> January 6th: The House and Senate hold a joint session to count the electoral votes. If a ballot has received 270 or more electoral votes, the President of the Senate, currently Vice President Mike Pence, announces the results. With verdict in some states yet to come, Biden has already won enough states to receive more than 270 electoral votes.
Members of Congress can object to statements from any state as announced. Objections must be made in writing by at least one member of the House and one in the Senate. If the objection meets certain requirements, each chamber meets separately to discuss the objection for a maximum of two hours. Subsequently, each chamber votes to accept or reject the objection. Again in joint session, the results of the respective votes are announced. Any objection to a state’s electoral vote must be approved by both houses for the contested votes to be excluded.
If none of the presidential candidates obtained at least 270 electoral votes, the House would decide the election, based on the 12th Amendment to the Constitution. If necessary, the House would elect the president. Each state delegation has one vote and it takes 26 votes to win.
> January 20: Biden takes the oath of office on inauguration day. – AP
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