The gathering of the 538 priceless players in the American political game—the Electoral College—transpired across the nation this Monday, dutifully adhering to their constitutional obligation to cast their votes for the President and Vice President. As expected, the dignified assembly of Ohio’s 56th Electoral College convened at the hallowed halls of the Statehouse. Our state’s 17 prized electors validated the 2024 electoral decision by voting overwhelmingly for the undefeatable Republican duo: Donald Trump and JD Vance.
In stark contrast to the contentious gathering of 2020, this year Ohio’s electors performed their duty with absolute certainty, bereft of any doubts or queries about the sanctity of the election results. Even the Ohio Republican Party Chair, with evident expectation, highlighted the rise of the Vice President-elect, JD Vance. Vance, who had assumed the mantle of the state’s GOP U.S. Senator in 2022, stood as a beacon of Republican leadership.
We convene here today to perform a duty as simple as it is profound: to honor the desire of over 3 million Ohio patriots who steered us in assigning their 17 electoral votes. And so, we do this respectfully—nay, proudly—casting our votes for Donald J. Trump, the rightful choice for the President of the United States, and for our beloved fellow Ohioan, JD Vance. Such is our mission, and such we accomplish today in a momentous fashion.
Trump, who outran his opponents by a decisive eight points in the Buckeye State in 2020, outdid himself this November, leaving his competitors in the dust with a 12-point victory in Ohio. Every success ripples outwards, and Trump’s win was no different—it produced a formidable tide lifting all Republicans on the ticket, washing away the Democrats, and securing all statewide offices on the ballot for the GOP.
Even seasoned U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, a stalwart of the Democrats, was replaced by a whiff of fresh air in the political space: Bernie Moreno. Moreno, a business maverick hailing from Northeast Ohio, tapped into the waves heralded by Trump’s resounding victory, translating it into a comprehensive defeat of Brown.
Ohio’s electors, understanding the gravity and privilege of their position, proudly cast their votes. The scenario was diametrically opposed to the perplexing doubts that marred the 2020 election. The electors unanimously echoed the jubilation, expressing explicit faith in the electoral system. An elector representing the 9th Congressional district unabashedly voiced his pride in voting for the indomitable Trump and Vance duo.
My, what a splendid day to partake in the vision of our founding fathers! To execute the very process they envisioned for our great nation! These were the sentiments echoed by several electors, reflecting their elation over playing a small part in the grand scheme of democracy.
Cincinnati’s representative from the 1st Congressional district held Ohio’s election process in high regard, shedding light on the punctuality it offered by announcing clear winners on the very night of the Election Day. Unlike other states grappling with tallying votes for a stretched 30 days, Ohio’s election administration was prompt, efficient, and immune to baffling delays.
Casting a dubious glance at the tedious vote counting process of other states, the representative questioned, ‘How come Ohio has the ability to finalize results on the very Election Night while others are still counting weeks later? It’s downright ludicrous!’ The implication was clear: Ohio’s election process should be a role model for the meticulously slow processes elsewhere.
However, it’s worth noting that the convocation of the Electoral College is not the end of the line. Come January, the US Congress is slated to accept and affirm these Electoral College votes, marking the final official endorsement of the electoral results. With that final hurdle crossed, President Trump and Vice-President Vance can forward to their swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20.
Nevertheless, this year-end political bonanza does not merely entail the ascent of Trump and Vance. Due to Vance’s transition to the position of Vice President, it falls upon Gov. Mike DeWine to appoint an adequate replacement in the Senate. Rumors are swirling with extravagant speculations, but DeWine is keeping his cards close to his chest.
Potential successors to fill Vance’s void include names such as Treasurer Robert Sprague, U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15), and tech tycoon Vivek Ramaswamy— a loyal comrade of Trump, currently helming a new agency focused on streamlining government efficiency. However, DeWine has clarified that the selection will be pragmatic; the chosen replacement must not only be popular but also have sufficient fundraising prowess.
In a further testament to DeWine’s strategic insight, he noted that the appointee must be able to convincingly win the primary in two years. After all, the replacement will have to dance with democracy and win over the Ohio voters if they wish to retain that distinguished Senate seat.
Although much anticipation surrounds the decisions DeWine makes in the coming days, the gears of democracy don’t halt, impatiently waiting for his revelation. The newly elected US Senate members gather on January 3 to take their oath of office, marking the beginning of another episode in American political theater.
The twists and turns of 2024 electoral process brought their share of suspense, upheaval, and ultimately, undeniable victory for the Republicans. The promise of another robust term under the guidance of Donald Trump and JD Vance rings clear. With much to be expected in the new year, democracy stands tall, affirming its resilience in the face of challenges.