Congress is set to convene at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2024, for the certification of the presidential election results, just four years after the chaotic and violent events of January 6, 2021. The upcoming proceedings occur amid inclement weather conditions, as much of the region is blanketed by snow, causing significant disruptions but also accentuating the gravity of the moment.
The certification ceremony is traditionally seen as largely ceremonial but holds deep significance this year, especially after the infamous attempt by rioters supporting former President Trump to overturn the 2020 election results. According to the Constitution, Congress has the responsibility to gather each year after the election to open sealed results from the states, confirming the legitimacy of the electoral process.
New laws implemented after the fallout of the January 6 attack have clarified the vice president's role during this high-stakes moment as ceremonial. Vice President Kamala Harris underscored this during her recent video message, where she eloquently noted the fragile nature of democracy, stating, "The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy." This sentiment serves as both a reminder of the tumultuous past and a clarion call for unity moving forward.
Despite the snowstorm impacting much of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, the Capitol campus has been fortified. Authorities have mobilized around 4,000 law enforcement officers from various police departments, including those from Baltimore and New York City, to guard the perimeter. Security fencing has been re-erected around the Capitol, reminiscent of the heightened caution taken after the January 6 insurrection, with limited access points available for those seeking entrance to the sprawling grounds.
Back during the 2021 riot, Capitol and D.C. police faced overwhelming numbers as they attempted to protect the Capitol building. Their defenses then consisted merely of bike racks and limited personnel, making it easy for rioters to gain access. This year, the presence of approximately 500 National Guard members is intended to mitigate any unexpected security concerns.
Reports indicate the certification event is expected to follow typical protocols, with the losing party—Harris and her Democratic allies—already accepting the election results. This notion of conformity to ritual is starkly different from the events of 2017 or even 2001, when objections to election results were brought forward. For example, the House and Senate certified the election results expeditiously, completing the process within 25 minutes back in 2013. This time, the political climate, significantly altered since 2021, predicates on acceptance rather than challenge.
Harris will find herself presiding over the certification not just as Vice President but also as one of the few officials to oversee the counting of election results after facing her own defeat. Previously, Vice President Al Gore oversaw his narrow loss to George W. Bush, where political tensions were similarly high. Current House Democrats are determined to forge ahead, having reflected on the chaos of January 6 and its impact. Representative Bradley Schneider from Illinois, who was present during the attacks, stated, "I will again carry out my Constitutional responsibility to certify the 2024 election and the will of the American people," reinforcing the necessity of upholding democratic ideals.
The reality of Trump’s past alignment with those who stormed the Capitol can’t be overlooked, especially as he vows to pardon many of the individuals charged in connection with the riot, should he return to office. His inauguration is scheduled for January 20, soon after the certification of the election results, foreshadowing the multitude of challenges facing the incoming administration.
While the late afternoon certification might typically pass without incident, the remembrance of the recent past casts a long shadow over the proceedings. Harris’s video message—brimming with historical acknowledgment and the dense collection of feelings surrounding democracy's struggles—acts as both tribute and warning. Will the echoes of January 6 linger as perpetual reminders of the fragility of American democracy, or will Congress find strength and unity as they certify what is meant to be the seamless transfer of power?