The 2024 presidential election is over, but the path to Inauguration Day on January 20 is just beginning. The votes must be certified in the states, the Electoral College must meet and then Congress counts the votes.
President-elect Donald Trump has won enough electoral votes to claim the presidency, even though not every state has finished counting ballots. The slowest states tend to be those that rely primarily on mail-in ballots, such as Arizona and California. In addition to Trump’s decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Republicans have also taken back the U.S. Senate, building a solid majority in that chamber that confirms federal judicial appointments.
Here’s what you need to know about the election and what’s happening between now and the presidential inauguration.
Who won the popular vote?
It’s hard to say much definitively about the popular vote because ballots are still being counted, especially in California, where they could arrive by mail until next week. Trump is currently leading in the popular vote and will likely maintain his lead, but it will likely narrow as more Democratic votes are added to the totals. Harris’ vote count will increase, although we don’t yet know by how much.
What was the turnout in the 2024 elections?
We don’t know for sure because votes are still being counted, but it seems high. Perhaps not as high as 2020, which set records for the highest turnout in a modern presidential election, with two-thirds of all eligible voters participating. But turnout in this year’s presidential election was nevertheless robust. In some states where counting is largely complete, such as Michigan, election officials have said 2024 set a turnout record.
When will Trump take office?
Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025. That is the day he formally becomes president again. His presidential transition is already underway as it takes time to put together a new government.
Who controls the House and Senate?
The Republicans have regained control of the Senate from the Democrats, although we won’t know the final margin until the final few races are called. There are too many races with counting still underway to know which party will control the House. Republicans currently control that chamber.
Will there be a recount?
There is no indication that there will be a presidential election recount in any state. However, there remain a few Senate races and several House races where counting continues and we don’t know who won them. It’s possible there could be recounts in some of those games.
How many terms can a president serve?
According to the constitution, a president is limited to two terms in office. Because this will be Trump’s second term, he cannot run for office again. He will not be eligible to run in 2028 and has said he will not seek office again.
How will Trump’s election be certified?
States must complete their vote counts and formally confirm the winner of their popular vote by December 11. The presidential winners in each state will get the state’s electors, who will vote when the Electoral College meets on December 17. Trump should win that vote because he has won enough states to gain a majority in the Electoral College.
What role does Congress play?
The new Congress will meet on January 3, 2025. It will accept the certified presidential election results from each state on January 6, formally paving the way for Trump’s inauguration later that month.
