What happens between Election Day and Inauguration?
Between Election Day in November and Inauguration on January 20, a constitutional process unfolds: states certify their results, electors cast their votes, Congress counts and certifies the electoral votes, and the incoming administration prepares to govern.
- States certify results: Each state has its own deadline to certify its popular vote
- Electors vote in December: First Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December
- Congress certifies: Joint session on January 6 counts electoral votes
- Inauguration: January 20 at noon (Twentieth Amendment)
The transition timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Election Day (first Tuesday after first Monday in November) | Voters cast ballots in state elections |
| Following weeks | States count votes, resolve disputes, conduct recounts if required |
| Safe Harbor deadline (six days before electors vote) | States that complete certification by this date have results presumed conclusive |
| First Tuesday after second Wednesday in December | Electors meet in state capitals and cast votes |
| December 25 | Electoral vote certificates must reach Congress |
| January 3 | New Congress convenes |
| January 6 | Joint session of Congress counts electoral votes; Vice President presides |
| January 20, 12:00 noon | New President takes oath; term begins |
State certification
Each state conducts its own count and certification process according to state law. This includes resolving disputes, conducting mandatory recounts (where applicable), and formally declaring the winner. The state governor typically signs a Certificate of Ascertainment identifying the appointed electors.
The Electoral Count Reform Act 2022
Following the January 6, 2021 events, Congress reformed the electoral count process. Key changes include: clarifying that the Vice President's role is ministerial; raising the threshold for congressional objections (requiring one-fifth of each chamber); establishing procedures for judicial review of state certification disputes; and tightening timelines.
Presidential transition
The Presidential Transition Act provides for cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations. Once a winner is ascertained, the General Services Administration provides office space, funding, and access to federal agencies. The incoming President nominates Cabinet members and prepares executive orders for the first days in office.
🎮 In Race for the White House
The simulation ends on Election Night when results are projected. The formal certification, electoral vote casting, and transition process are summarised in the post-election analysis but not modelled as gameplay.
About this explainer
This explainer accompanies Race for the White House 2028, an educational simulation. The simulation's candidates, polling and campaign events are fictional.
Last reviewed: January 2025