For State Officials

The Governors of each State receive a package from the Archivist.
The package includes:

• a letter from Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United States – view a sample letter
• procedural instructions outlining the State's responsibilities
• pamphlets highlighting the Presidential Election Laws

Know Your Key Dates

The Constitution of the United States and Federal law place certain Presidential election responsibilities on State executives and the electors for President and Vice President.

• Review the Summary of Key Dates, Events & Information

By November 4, 2008
	What:	Hold general election to appoint Electors.
	Who:	Governors' legal counsel, Secretaries of State, and other State election officials. Read the "Appoint Electors" instructions on qualifications of electors and restrictions in the U.S. Constitution.

As soon as possible after the November 4, 2008 election results are finalized
	What:	Prepare and distribute the Certificate of Ascertainment.
	Who:	Governor of each State, Secretaries of State, and other State election officials. Read the "Certificate of Ascertainment" instructions for details on where / who / how to send the documents.

By December 9, 2008
	What:	Resolve any issues regarding election recounts, controversies, or contests.
	Who:	Governors' legal counsel, Secretaries of State, State courts. Read the "Hold the Meeting of Electors" instructions.

December 15, 2008
	What:	Meeting of Electors.
	Who:	Electors of each State, Governor of each State, and Secretaries of State. Read the "Hold the Meeting of Electors" instructions.

By December 24, 2008
	What:	Prepare and distribute the Certificate of Vote.
	Who:	Electors of each State, Governor of each State, and Secretaries of State. Read the "Certificate of Vote" instructions for details on where / who / how to send the documents.

January 8, 2009
	What:	Count the electoral votes. Public Law 110-430 changed the date of the electoral vote in Congress in 2009 from January 6 to January 8. This date change is effective only for the 2008 presidential election.
	Who:	Congress. Review "Counting electoral votes in Congress"