With the Electoral College locking in Democrat Joe Biden's presidential win, only one major step remains before he can be sworn in — the official Congressional vote tally on January 6th. But there could still be some procedural fireworks.
With President Donald Trump refusing to concede defeat, even after the electoral vote, and some lawmakers still in the mood to challenge the results, the day Congress opens up the electoral votes and counts them offers another chance for defiant Republicans to make headlines.
UK Professor Joshua Douglas says lawmakers can lodge an objection.
"An objection requires both a member of the House and a member of the Senate to provide a written objection to a particular state's Electoral College votes," Douglas explains. "If that occurs, each chamber would retire to their own floors to debate for two hours and then vote on whether to accept or reject the votes from that state. So it's possible that that happens, but it won't change the outcome."
Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks has signaled his willingness to object. If so, he would need a member of the Senate to join him. Were that to happen, Senate Republican leaders have predicted that the move would be firmly rejected on a bipartisan vote.
