[T Ruth]

I'd be willing to be instructed if you would cite to some passage, say from the Debates on the Constitution, or the Federalist Papers, or the Anti-Federalist Papers, for the proposition that the opening of the Certificates is a mere ministerial task.

Also, do you think the President of the Senate should docilely open whatever documents are put in front of him, by whomever can manage to get them there?

What is your view as to why the Framers assigned this task to the President of the Senate?

[Mariner]

“Also, do you think the President of the Senate should docilely open whatever documents are put in front of him, by whomever can manage to get them there? “

No. Only those certified and delivered by the states.

“What is your view as to why the Framers assigned this task to the President of the Senate?”

It’s a joint session of congress to either accept or reject electors from the states. The President of the Senate presides but does not vote.

As for writing that excludes this power, the 10th Amendment covers it well. Any power not specifically granted is non-existent.