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Wisconsin electoral voters cast votes for Donald Trump, Mike Pence; protesters shout “shame!”
Wisconsin electoral voters cast votes for Donald Trump, Mike Pence; protesters shout "shame!"
MADISON — Wisconsin Republicans cast the state's 10 Electoral College votes on Monday, December 19th for President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. A large group gathered in Madison Monday, and two overflow rooms had to be opened for spectators.
Electoral College members on Monday gathered across the country to cast their votes. President-elect Trump won Wisconsin and its 10 electoral votes.
There were protesters, though they didn't change the outcome Monday. They said they wanted to make sure their voices were heard as Wisconsin pledged 10 electoral votes to the President-elect. They said their message was so important, the bitterly cold weather wouldn't stop them.
Protests at the Capitol during Electoral College vote
"This is what, our third election now that`s not going to be decided by a popular vote. It`s going to be decided by the Electoral College. The people have to stand up, exercise their First Amendment right and let their voices be heard," Joel Besemer with Democracy Spring said.
Protests at the Capitol during Electoral College vote
Some protesters moved into the Capitol in Madison -- some making a silent statement by taking a knee, while others began shouting.
Eventually, each elector cast his or her ballot.
"The votes are -- 10 votes. Donald J. Trump," Brad Courtney, Republican Party of Wisconsin chairman said.
"Every one of you -- you're pathetic. You don't deserve to be in America," a protester shouted.
Others joined in -- shouting "shame" after the vote.
"OK. And the votes for Vice President -- 10 votes, Mike Pence," Courtney said.
That caused more disruption, with people walking out and cursing the electors as they signed their certificates of votes cast.
Protests at the Capitol during Electoral College vote
Protests at the Capitol during Electoral College vote
It was one of the largest crowds a meeting of the Electoral College has seen in many years.
"It`s a formality. People are certainly welcome to express whatever views they have," Michael Haas, Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator said.
Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brad Courtney released the following statement after the vote:
President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect Mike Pence in West Allis
Wisconsin's electors said they received thousands of emails, phone calls and letters trying to get them to break ranks. But Courtney insisted they were proudly sticking by President-elect Trump on Monday.
This was the first time in 32 years Wisconsin's Electoral College voted for a Republican president.
It was around 4:30 p.m. CST when Donald Trump surpassed 270 votes in Electoral College to formally win the presidency.