The electoral college convened across the United States on December 19, 2024, to formally cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, solidifying the results of the November 5 election.
Following a historic comeback after losing to Joe Biden four years ago, Trump received 312 electoral votes this time, compared to Harris’s 226. This gathering marks one of the final steps in the electoral process, where electors gather to confirm the results based on the popular vote within their respective states.
One of the notable occurrences during this process took place in Maine, where the state’s four electors convened. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows convened the electors at the Maine House of Representatives. Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, secured three votes from the state, with one electoral vote going to Trump and his running mate JD Vance.
Jay Philbrick, one of Maine’s electors, highlighted the importance of the peaceful transition of power, echoing the sentiments of past events. He recounted stories from his grandfather, who served in the U.S. Army, emphasizing the idea of embracing the results of elections: “But on Jan. 6, 2021, we came close to losing this, so last month no one took the peaceful transition of power for granted.”
The comments of Governor Janet Mills, addressing the gathered electors, reinforced the commitment to democracy. She noted how representatives were executing the will of the people who had overwhelmingly expressed their preferences at the polling stations.
Meanwhile, Maine Republican Party Chairman Joel Stetkis also voiced his support for Trump, framing his vote as one to “Make America Great Again.” He criticized what he perceives as overwhelming government intervention and rising inflation affecting the working class.
On the West Coast, California also held its own special electoral ceremony, demonstrating the palpable emotions of the moment. Secretary of State Shirley Weber urged electors to embrace the day's significance, stating, “You can talk to your friends. This is not a funeral, this is a good time.” Despite the solemn atmosphere, she encouraged pride in the process of honoring democracy.
California's electors had much to reflect on. Harris, the state’s own representative, managed to secure about 58% of California’s popular votes. Her performance, defeating Trump by over 20 points, was marked by quiet determination among the electors. The specter of Trump's presidency loomed, creating mixed sentiments within the room.
Rusty Hicks, Chair of the California Democratic Party, emphasized the state’s continued role as “a beacon of freedom,” even as national politics skewed more conservative. “Do most of us want a different outcome? Of course,” he acknowledged yet framed the event as part of honoring the democratic process.
The formal casting of votes isn’t merely ceremonial; it’s pivotal. The electoral college itself has been part of American democracy since the Constitutional Convention of 1787, serving as the method by which each state’s selection of electors reflects their population size and congressional representation. Once ballots are cast, the candidate with the higher state tally receives all of the state's electoral votes. This leads to situations reminiscent of previous elections, where popular and electoral votes have diverged as was seen with Hillary Clinton, who won the popular vote but lost the presidency to Trump due to electoral college mechanics.
While this process unfolded, discussions about the future of the Electoral College continued to circulate. Numerous lawmakers and activists, including Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree from Maine, have called for its abolition, longing for a more straightforward election system where the winner of the popular vote secures the presidency. There has been momentum among states like Maine to join movements advocating for the popular vote.
This debate isn't just academic; it encapsulates significant concerns over representation and democracy itself. Maine’s commitment to this compact—a promise to elect the winner based on nationwide voting trends—was acknowledged but remains contingent on broader support across the nation, as it is currently inactive until sufficient states join.
Whether or not such reforms take root, the electoral votes from all American states will be tallied on January 6, 2025, during the joint session of Congress. It’s at this juncture where America will once again witness the living reality of its democracy as electoral votes are officially counted, illustrating the unique, sometimes contentious fabric of American politics.
