Federal Government Policy and Business

Election Day Passes Without a Declared Winner, But Transition Planning Will Continue

Government Executive: The presidential election was too close to call early on Wednesday morning and it could take weeks to get the official results, cutting into the time for ensuring a smooth transfer of power by Inauguration Day should Democratic nominee Joe Biden win. However, unlike in 2000, the last time there was a delay in results, transition laws have evolved that give candidates more of a head start in preparations.

While Biden can’t name nominees and landing teams can’t come into federal agencies during this waiting period, as opposed to 2000 the Biden team has “the luxury of the pre-election transition work,” said Ed Ingle, president of the consulting firm New Lantern partners who was the Cabinet coordination director for President George W. Bush’s transition in 2000, when the election results were delayed due to the Florida recount and ensuing Supreme Court case.

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