The ECA and the United States Democratic Process

The Constitution and ECA required on the 6th of January following election day the Congress meet in a joint session for a certification proceeding presided over by the vice president as president of the Senate to count the electoral votes, resolve any objections and announce the result. This federal government function from the point of ascertainment to the certification is foundational to the United States democratic process. Until 2021 it had operated in a peaceful and orderly manner for more than 130 years.