Congress will hold a joint session on Jan. 6 to count the Electoral College votes, marking the official certification of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory and formalizing his return to the White House for a second term. This constitutionally mandated process, conducted every four years, ensures the peaceful transfer or continuation of power.
In this ceremonial event, Congress opens sealed certificates from each state documenting their electoral votes. Delivered in special mahogany boxes reserved for the occasion, these certificates are read aloud by bipartisan “tellers” from both chambers.
The vice president, acting as president of the Senate, presides over the session and announces the results....
