Local Media Briefing: What to Expect This Election Season
Below is a snapshot of what to expect during the election cycle, including the post-election period. This briefing also highlights key portions of ACLU-MI's election safeguarding program for each phase. For any media inquiries or to speak with our experts about voter concerns, election litigation, or additional details, please reach out to:
Ann Mullen
Communications Director
313-400-8562
amullen@aclumich.org
Election Day Expectations
On Election Day, voters across the country will cast their votes in person, and counting votes takes time, particularly with mail-in ballots.
- National Perspective: Each state follows its own procedures for processing ballots. In some battleground states, like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, processing does not begin until Election Day, meaning results may not be projected until afterward.
- Some states, like Georgia and Michigan, allow pre-processing of mail-in ballots, potentially allowing projected results on Election Night or the following morning.
- For a detailed overview of state-specific mail-in ballot processing, see this resource.
What is the ACLU Doing?
On Election Day, ACLU-MI will have legal staff and experts available in a nonpartisan election protection center to assist voters. Additionally, trained volunteers and legal monitors will be stationed at polling locations statewide.
Canvassing and Counting the Vote
Canvassing is the process of verifying and counting all ballots to ensure accuracy. This process can take time, particularly in states with automatic recount triggers for close races.
What is the ACLU Doing?
During canvassing, the ACLU will send legal observers to monitoring centers and attend public hearings on the canvass process. Trained volunteers will be dispatched to oversee county certifications.
Local and State Certification
Certification is a mandatory step following the canvass, where officials sign off to confirm that results accurately reflect all votes cast. Refusal to certify may lead to civil or criminal penalties.
- Certification processes are state-mandated, non-discretionary duties. Officials refusing to certify can face penalties.
- The process, open to the public, typically starts with counties before advancing to the state level.
What is the ACLU Doing?
During the certification process, ACLU will attend meetings to ensure compliance with legal certification duties.
Federal Certification and the Electoral Count Reform Act (ECRA)
After states certify results, the Electoral College meets, with states appointing electors based on popular votes. This election, the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022 (ECRA) clarifies procedures for counting electoral votes.
- Under the ECRA, state executives must certify electors by December 11, 2024, and the Electoral College meets on December 17 to vote on President and Vice President.
- On January 6, 2025, Congress convenes to count electoral votes and announce the President, with the Vice President's role limited to a non-discretionary function.
What is the ACLU Doing?
During federal certification, ACLU will monitor compliance with ECRA, ensuring the will of the people is respected.