General Summary of the Bill

The concurrent resolution, S. CON. RES. 2, was introduced in the Senate on January 3, 2025, with the purpose of setting the procedures for counting the electoral votes for President and Vice President on January 6, 2025. This process, mandated by the U.S. Constitution, is critical in officially determining the winners of the presidential election. The resolution specifies that Congress will convene in the Hall of the House of Representatives and details the role of the President of the Senate and designated tellers in the counting and announcing of the electoral votes.

Summary of Significant Issues

Several issues arise from the text of the resolution:

1. Lack of Contingency Protocols: The resolution outlines the basic procedure for counting electoral votes but does not provide guidelines for handling discrepancies or disputes that might arise during the count. This omission is problematic as it leaves room for ambiguity and potential legal challenges.

2. Handling Ties or Contested Results: There is no mention of the procedure to follow if the electoral vote results in a tie or if the results are contested. This lack of guidance could lead to uncertainty and procedural confusion.

3. Tellers' Appointment Process: The resolution states that tellers will be appointed by the Senate President and the House Speaker but lacks detail on the criteria or qualifications for these roles. This could raise concerns regarding the transparency and impartiality of the vote counting process.

4. Typographical Errors: The text contains typographical errors, such as "suffucient" instead of "sufficient," which might affect the clarity and interpretability of the resolution.

5. Complex Sentence Structure: The language used in the resolution is densely worded and complex, potentially hindering public understanding of its provisions. Simplifying the language and structure could enhance clarity and accessibility.

Impact on the Public

The counting of electoral votes is a pivotal event in the democratic process, and thus, this resolution impacts the public by dictating how the final step of electing the President and Vice President is conducted. Any uncertainty or lack of transparency in this process can lead to a loss of public confidence in the electoral system. The absence of protocols for disputes or ties may leave citizens unsure about how such critical issues would be resolved, potentially fostering distrust.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Positive Impacts

• Congress and Election Officials: The resolution formalizes prescribed roles and responsibilities, offering a clear directive for the proceeding from a procedural standpoint.

• The General Electorate: Knowing that Congress will meet on a predetermined date to count and announce electoral votes provides a sense of order and continuity in the electoral process.

Negative Impacts

• Public Trust and Confidence: Vague details on handling disputes and typographical errors might undermine trust in the procedure if the public perceives the process as lacking in rigor or transparency.

• Election Monitors and Legal Experts: These stakeholders might find the resolution lacking specific guidelines or clarity, which could pose challenges in preemptively addressing any issues that arise during the counting process.

In conclusion, while S. CON. RES. 2 provides a blueprint for counting electoral votes, it leaves critical areas underexplored, potentially affecting public confidence and trust in this essential democratic process. Addressing the highlighted issues could enhance transparency and ensure the integrity of the electoral vote count.