On December 17, 2024, Wisconsin's ten Republican electors formalized their votes for President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance during the Electoral College process. This ceremony marked not just the culmination of the electoral votes but also drew significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the previous election and the attempts by some to undermine its legitimacy.
The electors gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol, where the air was markedly different from the chaos of 2020. Brian Schimming, Chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin (RPW), addressed the room with palpable excitement, declaring, "This is a historic moment." He emphasized the extensive effort dedicated to securing Trump's victory within the state, reinforcing the party's commitment to its electoral objectives. The meeting was attended by figures such as former Governor Tommy Thompson, Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney, and state Rep. Angie Sapik, R-Lake Nebagamon, among others.
Historically, the role of electors has often gone unnoticed by the public. Yet, Thompson, who served as governor for four terms, noted the honor of being selected as one of the ten electors. "Isn’t it about time to turn the page? I mean, we can fight over the election of 2020 for the next four years. What does it get us?" he pondered, making clear his desire to move on from the tumult of the past.
The Electoral College procedure, happening nationwide on the same day, reflects the structured process intended by the U.S. Constitution. Each state, by law, sends electors pledged to vote for the candidates who won their statewide elections. For Wisconsin, Trump won with 56% of the votes, highlighting his steady support among Republican constituents.
This year's electoral vote casting was markedly less dramatic than the events of four years ago when incidents surrounding the concept of fake electors took center stage, culminating in violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. During the 2020 election, Trump and his supporters mounted various legal and extralegal strategies, including assembling slates of fake electors intended to invalidate the legitimate election results, which led to criminal investigations and charges against some involved parties.
Reflecting on the present, Schimming remarked, "We put maximum effort, maximum effort, to winning this state for Donald Trump and J.D. Vance." The electors signed their documents amid applause from friends and family, avoiding protests or unrest, which characterized previous encounters with the Electoral College process.
The significance of this event ripples through the political climate, as the 2020 election saga is still unraveling. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has filed multiple charges against Trump campaign operatives involved with the 2020 false electors scheme, emphasizing the legal repercussions of those actions. Thompson spoke frankly when he acknowledged, "It’s quite an honor to be one of ten," admitting the general public's limited awareness of the influential role electors play. Despite their nominal role, they effectively embody states' electoral will during this ceremonial process.
Looking forward, Congress will officially count these electoral votes on January 6, 2025, marking another chapter in this remarkable period of American political history. With the nation closely observing Trump’s resurgence, his supporters are eager to navigate the fallout of the preceding years and cement their footing as they prepare for his second term.
Opposition voices echoed as Democratic representatives criticized the previous attempts to instigated unrest and pointed to the need for unity and fair electoral processes. "The dispute over the 2020 false electors is still active," noted reports from WPR, illustrating the continued examination of practices surrounding the electoral voting process.
The Wisconsin electors' confidence contrasts sharply with the shadow of previous false claims of election fraud—a term heavily criticized for its impact and the actions it incited. With the newfound calm of this electoral gathering, it remains yet to be seen how this will influence future election cycles, particularly as national sentiment shifts and leaders grapple with their legacies.
What was once chaos has transformed back to the routine of democracy, where formal proceedings are recognized in honor of the electoral process, perhaps as voters and leaders alike aspire to move forward without the baggage of previous disputes. Indeed, rebounding from tumultuous perspectives feels like breathing fresh air for many gathered during this ceremony.
Through all these formalities, the unity felt among the electors and their supporters serves as another layer of significance on this historic day—a demonstration of resilience and dedication to the electoral process, ideals coveted by those involved.
