Post-election: Timeline of what happens between now and Inauguration Day 2021

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Monday, December 14, 2020
Timeline of what happens between now and Inauguration Day
While Joe Biden is considered president-elect, there are still quite a few things left to do before he takes office.

WASHINGTON -- While Joe Biden is considered president-elect, the 2020 presidential election actually isn't over just yet.



There are several key dates we still need to pay attention to between now and Inauguration Day.



Dec. 1 was the last deadline for states to certify their votes. Here's a look at some of the other key events leading up to Inauguration Day 2021:



  • Dec. 8: This is the deadline for resolving election disputes at the state level. All state recounts and court contests over presidential election results are to be completed by this date. Trump's campaign is contesting the vote count in several states through legal challenges, but none of those efforts are expected to alter the outcome.
  • Dec. 14: Electors vote by paper ballot in their respective states and the District of Columbia. Thirty-three states and D.C. have laws or party regulations requiring electors to vote the same way the popular vote goes in the state. In some states, rogue electors can be replaced or subjected to penalties, according to the Congressional Research Service. The votes for president and vice president are counted and the electors sign six "Certificates of the Vote." The certificates, along with other official papers, are sent by registered mail to various officials, including the president of the Senate.
  • Dec. 23: The electors' ballots from all states must be received by the president of the Senate.
ABC News Political Director Rick Klein joins us to discuss the electoral college process and other key events between Election Day and Inauguration Day in January.
  • Jan. 20, 2021: Inauguration Day - Biden takes the oath of office.


The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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