US presidential elections: The long road ahead for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris to become President-elect

“And we both know hearts can change,” a line from the famous number November Rain sung by the rock band Guns N’ Roses, aptly echoes what might be going on in the minds of two US presidential candidates in 2024—Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. It is both the fear of failure and the thrill of success that may be dominating their thoughts. Yet, despite November 5 knocking on the door, there remains a long way for either of them to become officially the president-elect of the United States.

What It means to be President-elect

The term “president-elect” refers to the person who has won the United States presidential election and is waiting to take office. While the US Constitution does not clearly state when someone becomes president-elect, the Twentieth Amendment mentions the term, which gives it a formal status. The official confirmation happens after Congress certifies the votes of the Electoral College, typically in early January after the election. The media has used the term “president-elect” since at least the late 1800s, often applying it to the candidate who seems likely to win, even on election night.

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A candidate becomes the president-elect in the United States by winning enough Electoral College votes in the presidential election. This process starts on Election Day, which is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. On this day, voters choose electors who are pledged to support their preferred candidate. Each state has a specific number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress, adding up to a total of 538 electoral votes nationwide. To win the presidency, a candidate needs at least 270 of these votes.

After the election, the electors gather in their state capitals in December to cast their official votes for president and vice president. These votes are then sent to Congress for verification. In early January, Congress counts the electoral votes in a joint session. Once the results are confirmed, the candidate with the majority of electoral votes is declared the president-elect. This announcement marks the end of the electoral process and sets the stage for the inauguration, which takes place on January 20 of the following year. A candidate is officially recognised as president-elect once they secure a majority of the electoral votes, usually when the electors cast their votes in the first week of December.

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Election process and transition timeline

Elections in the US take place in early November. Then, the Electoral College votes in mid-December, and the inauguration—the ceremony where the new president takes the oath of office—usually happens on January 20. The only constitutional rule about the president-elect is that they have to take the oath of office. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 helps manage the transition process, allowing the General Services Administration to identify the winning candidate and set up a smooth transfer of power. This law also provides office space for the president-elect and encourages cooperation between the outgoing president and the new one.

It’s important to note that presidents who are re-elected do not get called president-elect since they are already in office. However, if a sitting vice president is elected as president, they are referred to as president-elect.

History of the term

The term “president-elect” dates back to the 1790s. Some of the founding fathers used it in letters regarding the 1796 presidential election. Back then, it was common to refer to candidates as president-elect even before the official results were known. Major newspapers began using the term regularly in the late 1800s and the ratification of the Twentieth Amendment in 1933 confirmed its status in the Constitution.

Responsibilities during the transition

The role of the president-elect is very important during the time between the election and the inauguration. During this period, the president-elect prepares for their new role by forming a transition team made up of advisers and policy experts. This team helps create plans based on the president-elect’s campaign promises and key issues raised during the election.

Effective communication is also a vital part of the president-elect’s job. They engage with the public and the media to share their plans and reassure everyone about a smooth transition. This includes addressing important national and global issues, allowing the president-elect to show they are ready to lead.

Appointments and working with Congress

During this transition, the president-elect focusses on selecting key people for their administration like Cabinet members and agency heads. These nominees must go through Senate confirmation hearings. The transition team conducts background checks to ensure the nominees align with the president-elect’s goals. Building relationships with Congress is essential as well. The president-elect often reaches out to lawmakers to gain support for their plans paving the way for cooperation once they are in office.

National security and public engagement

National security is a top priority during this transitional period. The president-elect receives regular briefings from national security agencies to stay updated on important threats and issues. Engaging with the public and foreign leaders is also key. The president-elect might meet with other world leaders to strengthen international relationships and demonstrate continuity in US foreign policy.

Finally, the president-elect helps plan their inauguration. This event marks the official transfer of power and gives them a chance to express their vision and goals for the upcoming term, laying a foundation for their presidency.

The role of the president-elect is essential for ensuring a smooth transition of power and preparing for effective governance. Through careful planning, smart appointments and open communication, the president-elect positions themselves to lead the nation from their very first day in office.