Explainer: How the Electoral College works (and why it matters)

On Wednesday, a group of insurrectionists attempted to disrupt the final step of the Electoral College, the counting of the electoral votes by Congress. As Congress reconvened later that night after the Capitol was cleared by law enforcement, the counting was made officially and declared President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris the winners of the 2020 presidential election.

Here is what you should know about how the Electoral College process is used to determine the presidential election and why it is an important institution for protecting our republican form of democracy.

What is the Electoral College?

We tend to associate the term “college” with higher education. But in this case, the term refers to a meaning that goes back to the 14th century: an organized association of persons invested with certain powers and rights or engaged in some common duty or pursuit. The Electoral College is thus a process rather than a place. Although the term Electoral College is never used in the Constitution (Article 2, Section 1, Clauses 2 and 3), the electors that choose the president at each election are traditionally called a College.

The Electoral College process consists of the selection of the electors, the meeting of the electors where they vote for president and vice president, and the counting of the electoral votes by Congress.

This Week at the ERLC

Russell Moore penned a needed article at The Gospel Coalition about our nation’s recent events at the Capitol. He will also be on a webinar today at 2 p.m. CST to discuss the chaos at the Capitol. Register here.

The Alabama Baptist web site featured an article by Jason Thacker on understanding Parler.

What You Need to Read

It is far too easy to take a myopic view of technology and the ethical issues surrounding its use in our lives. Technology is not a subset of issues that only technologists and policy makers should engage. These tools undergird nearly every area of our lives in the 21st century, and Christians, of all people, should contribute to the ongoing dialogue over these important issues because of our understanding of human dignity grounded in the imago Dei (Gen. 1:26-28).

Several years ago, The New Yorker published their weekly magazine with what can only be described as a damning photo. On the magazine’s 90th anniversary cover (one of nine), the issue depicted a man holding a phone in what’s become a sadly ubiquitous posture. Ignoring a cloudy sky and the flight of a butterfly directly overhead, this man, with his thumbs at the ready, is “bent in on himself,” staring at his little “glowing rectangle.”

Christianity isn’t complicated, but it is difficult. If anything, the last year has made us realize in a special way just how broken our world truly is. But whether we’re facing a pandemic or a relative paradise, every Christian needs Jesus—not just for “salvation,” but for life. And apart from the Scriptures, Dane Ortlund’s book, Gentle and Lowly, is among the very best places you can look to connect with Jesus in a fresh and meaningful way. We recently had the opportunity to interview Dane about the book. As you read his answers below, you’ll see why Dane’s book is worthy of your time.

News From Capitol Hill

The national tragedy this week in Washington, D.C., has only grown more unimaginable. A mob stoked by conspiracy and incited by pretend militiamen and irresponsible political leaders, delayed the joint session of Congress that was the conclusion of the raucous 2020 presidential election. Thankfully, our nation’s elected representatives, senators, and Vice President Pence, as well as many staff, press, families, and others in the building were kept safe. Tragically, as of today five people have died including one of the insurrectionists and a U.S. Capitol police officer.

If you're still struggling to process the difficult events of this week, you're not alone. For more on what happened, why it matters, and how Christians should respond, our public policy team invites you to join Russell Moore today at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT for Chaos at the Capitol: A Conversation About Conspiracies and Violence.

During this free online event, Moore will join ERLC Policy Communications Director Jeff Pickering to discuss this week and what it means for our country and our churches. Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot.

Featured Podcasts

On the WeeklyTech podcast, Jason Thacker is joined by Trevin Wax, who serves as a vice president at LifeWay Christian Resources. They talk about his latest book, Rethink Your Self: The Power of Looking Up Before Looking In, and the rise of individualism, especially with the influence of technology and social media.

All of the hosts from the ERLC podcasts came together for one big crossover episode to wrap up 2020 with highlights, favorite things, and the banter that turns co-workers into friends. This MEGACAST joins the ERLC Podcast crew, Capitol Conversations team, and Jason Thacker of the WeeklyTech podcast. Thanks to Gary Lancaster, our fearless producer and America’s most elite audio engineer!

From The Public Square

9th Circuit skeptical of California church limits, but may uphold stay-home order
Josh Gerstein, Politico

At times during a spirited argument session Monday afternoon, the three judges of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals seemed to spar with each other about aspects of the state's ban on indoor worship services.

Ministry roiled by late founder’s sexual misconduct scandal
Associated Press

A posthumous sexual misconduct scandal involving the man who founded, in his own name, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has placed the global Christian organization in a wrenching predicament. It faces calls from within its own ranks to change its name, pay reparations to any victims and oust some top leaders, including Zacharias family members.

Bill legalizing abortion passed in pope’s native Argentina
Associated Press

Argentina on Wednesday became the largest nation in Latin America to legalize elective abortion, a triumph for a feminist movement that overcame a last-minute appeal by Pope Francis to his compatriots and could pave the way for similar actions across the socially conservative, heavily Roman Catholic region.

The Law of Bioethics and the Human Person
Carter Snead and Richard M. Reinsch II, Law and Liberty

The best way into understanding law and public policy is to ask the question of what vision of human identity and human flourishing is underwriting the law and the politics and the public policy.