I don’t think that is what you were asserting. That it can be construed after the fact is merely convenient. But I’ll give you that anyway. I’m forgiving debt this year.Sure it does
ped·ant
noun
a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning
The secretary of sate informs the party judged to have won the election that their slate of electors will be sent to DC. Is that not equivalent to 'certifying' that slate of electors, even if that is not the exact word used
cer·ti·fy
verb
attest or confirm in a formal statement.
officially recognize (someone or something) as possessing certain qualifications or meeting certain standards.