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The Electoral College is a key part of the United States presidential election process. After voters cast their ballots, the Electoral College officially votes to select the president and vice president. This article provides a basic overview of what happens after the Electoral College votes.
The Electoral College Vote
Each state appoints electors based on its congressional representation. These electors meet in their state capitals in December to cast their votes for president and vice president. The candidate who wins the popular vote in a state usually receives all of that state’s electoral votes.
Counting the Electoral Votes
The electoral votes are sent to Congress, where they are officially counted during a joint session held in January. The Vice President presides over this session and announces the results. A candidate needs a majority of electoral votes to win the presidency.
Certification of the Election
If a candidate receives the majority of electoral votes, Congress certifies the results. The candidate is then declared the winner of the presidential election. If no candidate reaches a majority, the House of Representatives chooses the president from the top three candidates, with each state delegation casting one vote.
Inauguration
Following certification, the elected president is inaugurated on January 20. The inauguration marks the official start of the new presidential term. The outgoing president typically participates in the ceremony, and the new president takes the oath of office.