This chapter explores the historical framework surrounding the counting of electoral votes from the 1790s to modern times, focusing on legislative precedents set by Congress. It examines the evolving roles of Congress and the President of the Senate, particularly highlighting the impact of the Electoral Count Act of 1877 on the Vice President's procedural responsibilities. The discussion emphasizes the structured nature of the electoral count process and the limitations placed on the Vice President's role during voting sessions.
In this last regular episode of our mini-series about the road to selecting a president, we are joined by David Fontana of GW Law to talk about the Vice President. What role does the Constitution give the Vice President in counting electoral votes? And can this be manipulated?