General Summary of the Bill

The bill, identified as S. CON. RES. 2, is a congressional resolution that outlines the procedural steps for counting electoral votes for the President and Vice President of the United States. This resolution mandates that on January 6, 2025, both houses of Congress—the Senate and the House of Representatives—will convene in the Hall of the House of Representatives. The President of the Senate will preside over the meeting, during which appointed tellers will read and record the electoral votes from each state in alphabetical order. Once the votes have been fully counted, the outcome will be announced by the President of the Senate and formally recorded in the congressional journals.

Significant Issues

While the resolution establishes a clear procedure for counting and announcing the electoral votes, several issues may arise from the current provisions:

1. Complex Language: The resolution employs legal and procedural language that could be difficult for the general public to comprehend. This could lead to confusion or misunderstandings about the electoral vote counting process.

2. Safeguards and Transparency: There is no explicit provision for safeguards or transparency measures within the resolution to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the proceedings. As a result, questions might be raised regarding the reliability of the vote counting process.

3. Handling Discrepancies: The resolution does not provide clear instructions on actions to take in case of discrepancies or errors found in the electoral certificates or during the vote tally. This lack of specification could lead to ambiguity and uncertainty in addressing any issues that may arise.

4. Impartial Oversight: The absence of mention of external or independent oversight could prompt concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the process. Without objective oversight, stakeholders may question the integrity of the electoral results.

Impact on the Public and Specific Stakeholders

For the general public, this resolution underscores the constitutional process involved in affirming the result of a Presidential election. The legal framework set by this resolution seeks continuity and order in electoral processes, but the lack of clarity and transparency might undermine public trust.

For stakeholders directly involved in the election process—such as political parties, candidates, and electoral officials—the procedures described convey a sense of concentration on internal congressional oversight. However, the absence of detailed procedural safeguards or oversight by independent bodies might be viewed negatively by those advocating for greater transparency and accountability in electoral processes.

In conclusion, while S. CON. RES. 2 delineates the procedural aspects of counting electoral votes, there are potential areas of improvement that could enhance public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. Ensuring clarity, transparency, and the inclusion of robust oversight mechanisms might address these concerns and fortify the democratic foundation of electoral practices.