What happens after Election Day? Key dates to know

(NewsNation) — From Election Day until Inauguration Day, there are key events that will shape the path for the 47th president to take office.

Political experts told NewsNation that due to the razor-thin margins separating former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, voters may not know who the next president will be possibly for days.

Given the anticipated tight margins and lessons learned from the 2020 election, understanding the post-election timeline is crucial.

Here are the key dates that will shape the path to determining America’s 47th president.

Post-election weeks

Election officials will work to verify initial tallies, including provisional and overseas ballots, and manage any necessary recounts before reaching official certification deadlines, which vary by state.

December 11 – Elector appointment

State executives must certify their presidential electors by this date, as mandated by the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022.

December 17 – Electoral college meeting

Designated presidential electors gather in their respective state capitals to cast official votes for their state’s winning candidate.

NewsNation is providing live results tracking on major races nationwide powered by Decision Desk HQ. Watch live results from the presidential election, important swing states and the balance of power in Congress. NewsNation will also be tracking your local state electionsand ballot initiatives on issues like abortionand minimum wage around the country. 

December 25 – Electoral vote submission

Electoral certificates from all states must reach the Senate president and national archivist.

January 3, 2025 – New Congress takes office

The incoming Congress is sworn in before the electoral vote count.

January 6, 2025 – Electoral vote count

Congress meets to count electoral votes under reformed procedures established by the Electoral Count Reform Act, which now requires one-fifth of each chamber to object to state electoral slates.

January 20, 2025 – Inauguration Day

The winner takes the oath of office as the 47th president in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

NewsNation Staff contributed to this report.