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January 1, 2021

Thirty-two years ago today—on January 4, 1989—the U.S. Congress met to formally receive the Electoral College votes. The results, as always, were announced by the vice president of the United States (who serves as the presiding officer of the U.S. Senate).[1]

In 1989, both the vice president and the election winner was George H.W. Bush. It was the first time since 1837 that a vice president had the awkward pleasure of announcing his own victory in the preceding election. In 1837, Martin van Buren was Andrew Jackson’s vice president, who then became the 8th President of the United States.[1]

Two days from now, Congress will again convene to formally receive the Electoral College votes from last year’s election. Vice President Mike Pence will then formally announce Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 Presidential Election.
 

About the Number of the Day

Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

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