Electoral College members are meeting today across the country to place their votes for president of the United States. The process is largely symbolic, seen as a formal end to the election that was decided by voters on Nov. 8. But given the controversy surrounding the 2016 election, the process is getting new attention. What is happening today? Electors will gather in their respective state capitols to engage in a voting process that is open to the press. The earliest results will likely come in after 10 a.m. ET and the latest around 7 p.m. ET. How many votes are needed to name the president? A total of 270 votes are needed to make the election official. Could the Electoral College actually vote Hillary Clinton into office? It’s possible, but extremely improbable. Donald Trump has 306 electors pledged to him. Since he only needs 270 to officially become the next president, at least 37 electors would have to cross party lines and vote for Clinton. What happens to the ballots after Monday’s vote? Once the ballots are sent to Washington, members of the House and Senate will convene on Jan. 6 to count the vote. Vice President Joe Biden is expected to preside over the proceedings and call the presidency for whoever wins at least 270 votes.
Category
🗞
News