At a joint session of Congress this afternoon, lawmakers certified President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election. The process was peaceful, quick and uneventful. It stood in stark contrast to this day four years ago, when the basic ritual of democracy was disrupted by a violent pro-Trump mob seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

In the Capitol today, there was no hint of a similar scene, although tall, black metal fencing around the building was a reminder of the violence that had played out. Unlike Trump back then, Kamala Harris — who had the awkward duty of presiding over the certification — did not dispute her loss. And unlike Republicans four years ago, Democrats made no objections during the counting of the Electoral College votes.

Mike Pence, Trump’s former vice president who had received death threats for his role in certifying the 2020 election, praised the “return of order and civility.”

President Biden has largely focused on ensuring a smooth and orderly transition of power. But last night, he warned Americans not to forget the violent attack at the Capitol and accused Trump and his supporters of trying “to rewrite — even erase — the history of that day.”