Just over a month since the election concluded, a grand display of democracy was showcased on Tuesday to solidify Donald Trump’s impressive victory in the presidential race. In a ceremony that mirrors the force of tradition and constitutional mandate, hundreds of electors nationwide convened in their respective states and unambiguously affirmed their electoral college votes. This crucial step, though largely ceremonial, is indispensable in the final certification of the election results. The importance of this day should not be underestimated; its impact extends far beyond the confines of just ‘bureaucratic procedures’.
All across the nation, electors chosen by political parties from each state came together in a unified assembly to officially cast their ballots for the candidate their state endorsed as President. This process is typically carried out in a winner-takes-all fashion, with the exception of states like Maine and Nebraska that abide by a proportional voting system. Electors therein divide their votes along the state’s electoral preferences, lending a unique dispersion to their voting process, complementing the otherwise unanimous voting patterns.
Remarkably, there existed some key Republican figures who, in defiance of the established procedure, signed erroneous certifications asserting that Donald Trump won the 2020 election. These brave signatories are now serving as electors, core to today’s democratic proceedings, lending their legitimate vote for the President-elect. Hailing predominantly from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, these figures inadvertently auspiciously breathed life into one of the most striking democratic processes in this country.
People may wonder why these daring electors faced no legal consequences for their anomalous certification signatures. Interestingly, some did encounter legal pursuits, with eight notably contending with charges in Nevada and Michigan. Yet, despite these challenges, repercussions within their political party were non-existent. The Republican Party admirably embraced them, reinforcing their position as the chosen electors, demonstrating the strength of the party commitment and unity, irrespective of past actions.
A recent Pew poll unveiled the profound trust that America’s general public espouses regarding the electoral process. Contrary to the views held in 2020, voters showed overwhelming positivity about the fairness and transparency of the recent election procedures. This was particularly evident among Trump voters, 93% of whom felt the 2024 elections were conducted competently and impartially, a notable leap from the 21 percent in the previous election. Their grand satisfaction was inextricably tied to the success of their preferred candidate.
The truth remains that both the 2020 and 2024 elections were carried out maintaining the highest standards of security and transparency. Despite the challenges of the pandemic in 2020, which saw an unprecedented number of mail-in votes, the integrity of the electoral process remained uncompromised. The procedures, security measures, and audits used for counting and verifying ballots were essentially the same, a testament to the strength of America’s electoral system.
We also want to clarify the perception that the entire system becomes ‘corrupt’ when our candidate doesn’t win. This is false. In fact, the same level of scrutiny and verification procedures applies to every vote and every candidate. The system exists to ensure the people’s choice is respected, maintaining its integrity and fairness, regardless of the outcome.
As we turn our eyes towards the concluding moments of the electoral process, it’s imperative to mark critical upcoming dates on the calendar. The votes cast by electors across the nation will soon be making their way to Washington. There, they will partake in a well-known procedure, set for the notable date of January 6.
This process, which gained widespread attention in earlier years, will be officiated by Vice President Kamala Harris. The nation will bear witness as these collected votes are officially ratified, signifying the close of an exceptional election period. Following this, we look forward to another glorious day – Inauguration Day when we can contemplate the continuity and strength of our democratic process.
In the recurring backdrop of every election cycle, discussions around reforming the Electoral College emerge. Though these conversations surface frequently, as of now, they haven’t gained real momentum to bring about any constitutional amendments or significant national adjustments.
Altering the structure of the Electoral College necessitates a considerable amount of synchronized effort. It involves either implementing a constitutional amendment or convincing numerous states to collectively adjust the procedure countrywide. The last time such an effort was somewhat successful dates back to the late ’60s.
Despite the apparent complexity and burden, it’s crucial to recognize that change is a fundamental characteristic of any thriving democracy. However, the failure to bring about change in the realm of the Electoral College right now indicates a lack of significant commitment at a national level.
Conclusively, while discussions surrounding the Electoral College reform take place every few years, its current standing remains steadfast. With no substantial progress on the horizon, we’re likely to see the Electoral College continue delivering its crucial role in our democratic process for the foreseeable future. It demonstrates the strength of our system, which thrives on tradition, simplicity, predictability, and fair representation.