4:30 a.m. UPDATE: Early Wednesday morning, NBC News projected Donald Trump will be President-elect after clinching Wisconsin. Our latest story can be found here, and the latest details on the 2025 Inauguration can be found here. Our original story continues below.
Former President Donald Trump is nearing victory in this year's election, setting himself up to become the 47th president of the United States.
Trump would become just the second president to serve non-consecutive terms, with Grover Cleveland winning elections in 1884 and 1892.
As Trump nears victory, these are the key dates to remember on his road back to the White House.
Certification of Election Results
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are a variety of dates by which governments have to certify the vote counts in their states.
Here is a sample of battleground state dates:
Local
Arizona – Third Monday after the election (Nov. 25)
Georgia – The 17th day after the election (Nov. 22)
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Michigan – 20th day after the election (Nov. 25)
Wisconsin – Dec. 1
Electoral College Vote
According to U.S. law, the Electoral College’s votes are required to be cast on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December, which this year falls on Dec. 17.
The Electoral College votes from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are cast on that date, and are prepared to be send to designated federal and state officials.
New Congress is Seated
The new members of Congress assemble on Jan. 3, and on that date, the Archivist transfers sets of certifications of Electoral College votes to lawmakers.
Electoral College Votes Counted
On Jan. 6, the Electoral College’s votes are counted during a joint session of Congress. Vice President Harris will oversee the count.
New President is Sworn In
At noon on Jan. 20, the new president and vice president will be sworn into office in Washington.
