Electoral College Meets at New York State Capitol
Historic Vote Cast for President and Vice President of the United States
The electoral college, a crucial part of the presidential election process, took place at the New York State Capitol on Tuesday. New York’s electors, consisting of state leaders, cast their ballots for President and Vice President of the United States.
New York’s Electors Cast Their Votes
New York’s electors, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, among others, played a vital role in casting their votes for President and Vice President. Despite Donald Trump winning the Presidential election, all 28 electoral votes from New York went to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, who won the state on election day.
"I am honored to cast that ballot for the first Black woman, the first Asian woman as President of the United States," said Kathy Sheehan, Albany’s Mayor and elector. "We are here exercising our responsibility as electors to cast those ballots."
Historical Significance and Desire for Change
Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged the historical significance of the electoral college, dating back to the country’s founding. However, she also expressed her desire for the system to be changed. "I strongly believe that the people of New York State and the United States of America should and must have their votes count equally, and that the popular vote should prevail. It’s time to amend the constitution and relegate the institution to the history books," she said.
Proposals for Change
Jeffrey Wice, a professor at New York Law School, explained that for a constitutional amendment to happen, two-thirds of the states would need to agree. He also proposed another way the process could be changed. "There are different proposals being sought across the country that states can group together and award their votes based on the proportion of the vote that goes to the presidential candidates," he explained. "So, let’s say, all of New York’s 28 votes don’t have to go to one candidate or another."
Next Steps
The next step is for Congress to certify the final vote on January 6th.
FAQs
Q: What is the electoral college?
A: The electoral college is a process established by the Founding Fathers to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
Q: Who are the electors in New York?
A: New York’s electors are made up of state leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, among others.
Q: Why did all 28 electoral votes go to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?
A: Despite Donald Trump winning the Presidential election, all 28 electoral votes from New York went to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz because they won the state on election day.
