Certifying election results is a huge part in the U.S. election process, as it ensures that each vote matters and plays a part in electing a president. This process, which takes place in Congress, is vital for maintaining our democracy and its integrity. A critical part of this process is the electoral college.
How the Electoral College Works
“[The electoral college] basically helps decide who the president is by voting,” said Toby Walker (‘28).
A presidential candidate becomes the president through the electoral college, rather than the popular vote. The system is comprised of electors from each state that were chosen to represent their corresponding candidate. The electoral college gives votes to the fifty states and the District of Columbia based on the size of the state’s population. In order to win, the president must reach 270 electoral votes.
New Security Measures in Place
New security measures, such as the creation of security checkpoints and the deployment of 4,000 additional law enforcement officers from around the country, have been put into place. On January 6, 2021, about 1,500 insurrectionists and rioters who were supporters of Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. These rioters stormed the Capitol because they wanted to overturn the election results in favor of President Joe Biden. This was based off of the claim from candidate Donald Trump that the 2020 election was stolen by “radical-left Democrats”.
“I think [the security measures] will stop future controversy and nothing will happen again like what happened on January 6,” said Luke Segale (‘28).
Because of this violent insurrection attempt, security regarding Congress’ counting of votes and defending the Capitol had to be increased. For example, many states are conducting audits and recounts of election results, along with strengthening cybersecurity. Their goal: to secure voting and to ensure that there are no vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
AP World History teacher Chris Murphy was able to provide more insight about what security measures were happening to protect the Capitol.
“I think that as a result of that uprising, the security is much better,” said Murphy. “The cameras and the police presence is greater in the outlying areas around the Capitol building. Definitely, as you get closer to the Capitol, there’s much more security.”
