The casting of votes by electors has been a ceremonial role in recent history, but this year it has become a topic of heated debate as D-list celebrities and others urge the electoral college to defy the results of the free and fair election. Liberal filmmaker and activist Michael Moore has offered to pay fines obtained by electors who go rogue, as it is illegal in some states for an elector to go against the will of the popular vote.
“Republican Electors — If you vote your conscience at noon and your state fines you for this, I will pay your fine,” Moore tweeted Sunday evening.
Protests had been planned in all 50 states, as well as Washington DC, but turnout has been unimpressive so far. Groups organizing the demonstrations hoped that a large presence would inspire electors to cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton, who won the popular vote, or anyone other than Trump.
— Eric Berman (@WIBC_EricBerman) December 19, 2016
In states where protesters did show up, the crowds appear to be small. No demonstration held more than 100 people, and many were not even close to that number.
— Geoff Spillane (@GSpillaneCCT) December 19, 2016
Small groups of protesters gathered across the nation on the eve of the electoral college voting, holding candlelight vigils.
— Qarrezel (@ShanziBeast) December 19, 2016
Supporters of the election process have argued that even if they agree with ending the Electoral College, changing the rules would be unfair, as Trump and Clinton both campaigned with the goal of winning the Electoral College and not the popular vote.
— Martin Austermuhle (@maustermuhle) December 19, 2016
Only one Republican elector, Chris Suprun of Texas, has publicly stated that he will not be voting for Trump. A Democratic elector in Maine also voted his conscience early on Monday, casting his ballot for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
