Does Congress certify House election results?
State officials certify House races, but the House itself judges any disputes about its members
No, Congress does not certify House election results. State canvassing officers certify each House race. Under Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution, the House judges the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members, but certification is a ministerial duty of state officers.
Who certifies a House race
State canvassing officers certify the results of U.S. House elections. Certification is a ministerial duty of those state officers. A state legislature has no lawful mechanism to overturn a certified House result or substitute its own choice.
What the House can do
The House seats a member-elect who holds a valid certificate from the state. It can resolve a contested election under the Federal Contested Elections Act, 2 U.S.C. 381 to 396. The state count and certificate come first. The House judges any dispute about them.
How a candidate contests a House race
A candidate who loses a certified race may contest it in the House. Under 2 U.S.C. 382, the candidate files with the Clerk and serves written notice of contest within 30 days after the state officer or board of canvassers declares the result.
More on how votes are counted and made official.
See all the questionsFrequently asked questions
Q. Does Congress certify the results of a U.S. House election?
No. State canvassing officers certify a House race. Under Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution the House judges the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members. Certification is a ministerial duty of state officers, and a state legislature has no lawful mechanism to overturn a certified result or substitute its own choice.
Sources
- U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 5 (constitution.congress.gov), https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-1/ · 2026-09-25