WASHINGTON — The Verify team is sorting through misinformation to bring you the facts about the 2020 election and the upcoming Inauguration Day ceremonies. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn-in on Jan. 20, as required by the 20th amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
While few details about the event have been released, there are a lot of questions on social media about how to attend. Do you need a ticket? Can you buy a ticket? Is the ceremony always held at the U.S. Capitol?
The Verify team has the facts.
SOURCES:
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, or JCCIC
The Architect of the Capitol, or AOC
QUESTION:
Was Inauguration Day always held on Jan. 20?
ANSWER:
No. George Washington's first inaugural address was held on April 30, 1789. Subsequent inaugurations were held on March 4 until the passing of the 20th amendment, also called the Lame Duck Amendment. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vice President John Garner were the first to be sworn-in on the new date.
QUESTION:
Do you need tickets to attend Inauguration Day?
ANSWER:
Yes and no. The answer to this depends on where you want to be during the ceremony. A spokesperson for the Joint Congressional Committee said you’ll need a ticket to be on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Those tickets are handed out by senators and representatives. You should be able to find a link to sign up on their website.
QUESTION:
Can you buy tickets?
ANSWER:
Both sources tell us no the tickets can't be sold.
If you don’t get a ticket, you can still go. The JCC spokesperson said a large section of the National Mall will be accessible to the general public.
Here's a list of the eight inaugural events.
QUESTION:
Is the inauguration always held at the U.S. Capitol?
ANSWER:
No. Our sources said some swearing-ins not held at the Capitol include Lyndon B. Johnson who was sworn-in on a plane following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and Calvin Coolidge who was sworn-in at his home in Vermont.
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