Friend,

We’re getting closer to Election Day, and you might have questions about what happens next.

The election process can be complicated, but it does not have to be confusing. Here’s some more information on what to expect:

ELECTION PROCESS TIMELINE AND BASICS

Nov. 3, 2020 (Election Day): States need to certify popular vote counts, and some will take longer than others. With a record amount of Americans voting by mail this year, and some states unable to begin counting ballots until after the polls close on Election Day, this part of the process may take longer than in past elections.

Dec. 8, 2020: States must determine winners by Dec. 8, 2020. That means any disputes about vote counts, including recounts or lawsuits, need to be resolved by then.

Dec. 14, 2020: After states determine the popular vote winner, the winner’s political party will then choose a slate of individuals called electors, who officially vote for the winner of that state’s presidential election. These electors make up the Electoral College, and their formal vote usually goes to their party’s nominee. Electors who vote for someone other than their nominee are called “faithless electors,” but in U.S. history, faithless electors have never changed the outcome of a presidential election. Once chosen, electors must cast their votes by Dec. 14, 2020.

Jan. 3, 2020: A new Congress will be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2020.

Jan. 6, 2020: The governor of each state is responsible for sending a certificate to Congress stating the result of electors’ votes. The new U.S. Congress will count and certify those vote tallies on Jan. 6, 2020. If no candidate gets 270 electoral votes, the U.S. House of Representatives votes to determine who the next president will be. This, however, has not happened since 1824.

Jan. 20, 2020: The new president will take the oath of office on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2020.

This is a time-tested process that helps ensure our democratic process is successful. In this unusual election year, we must guarantee that every vote cast by our fellow Americans is counted and that the sequence for choosing our next president is followed.

Your voice matters. Make sure you have a plan to vote by Tuesday, Nov. 3!

In solidarity,

Sydney Roberts

P.S. Need more information about when, where and how to vote early or in person in your state? Visit iwillvote.com

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