What Lies Ahead in Election

After five weeks of uncertainty, here’s what appears to be upcoming in the presidential election.

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Today: Analysts debate whether this date is the deadline, or a guideline, for states to name their electors to the electoral college if they want to shield them from subsequent challenges. After this date, Congress may not be obligated to accept a state’s electors.

After Florida certified George W. Bush as the state’s winner, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the candidate’s younger brother, reported a slate of Republican electors to the National Archives and Records Administration on Nov. 26. But just in case that slate is not seated because of ongoing legal challenges, Florida’s House is expected to approve legislation today granting the state’s 25 electoral votes to Bush.

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Wednesday, Dec. 13: Florida’s Senate is expected to pass similar legislation appointing electors for Bush.

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Monday, Dec. 18: Electors from every state meet in their respective capitals and District of Columbia to cast their votes for president and vice president. To win, a candidate needs at least 270 of the 538 possible votes. Some analysts say states need not name their electors until this date.

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Jan. 6: Congress is scheduled to meet in a joint session to officially tally the results of the electoral college vote. If the tally produces no clear presidential winner, the House convenes soon after and votes, one vote per state, for president. An unsettled vice presidential contest would be decided by the Senate.

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Jan. 20: The new president and vice president are inaugurated.