Election 2000: The Nation's Electors Vote
 On Monday, December 18th, the nation's electors, chosen by voters in the various states, gathered in their respective locations to cast their official votes for the president. Generally, this act is just a formality. Due to the extended controversy in Election 2000, cameras rolled across the country.

The Electors
"...the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December..."
3 U.S.C. Section 7 (June 25, 1948, ch 644, 62 Stat. 673)

As expected, George W. Bush received 271 electoral votes -- sufficient to make him the nation's 43rd president. Al Gore received 266, one less than expected. One District of Columbia elector abstained in protest of the district's perceived underrepresentation in the national process. She was the ninth elector in history to fail to vote as prescribed by the election outcome.

 Americans support complete count
Dubya Celebrates 
source: GOPfun Website

Federal Statute: Title 3, United States Code -- 3 U.S.C. Section 7: Meeting and Vote of Electors

The electors of President and Vice President of each State shall meet and give their votes on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December next following their appointment at such place in each State as the legislature of such State shall direct. (June 25, 1948, ch.644, 62 Stat. 673)

3 U.S.C. Section 8: Manner of Voting
The electors shall vote for President and Vice President, respectively, in the manner directed by the Constitution. (June 25, 1948, ch.644, 62 Stat. 673

New Mexico Statute
Presidential electors for the State shall perform the duties of the presidential electors required by law and the Constitution of the United States. (1-15-5, NMSA, 1978)

Presidential electors of the State shall meet at 11:00 a.m. in the office of the Secretary of State on the day fixed by the laws of the United States. (1-15-6-A, NMSA, 1978)

At such meeting the presidential electors shall organize by choosing a presiding officer and a secretary. (1-15-6-B, NMSA, 1978)

If the full number of electors required by law are not present at such meeting for any reason, those presidential electors present shall, from a list of names nominated by the State chairman of that party, forthwith choose electors from the voters of that State party. (1-15-6-C, NMSA, 1978)

The presidential electors of the State shall meet at noon in the office of the Secretary of State on the day fixed by the laws of the United States for presidential electors to cast their ballots for President and Vice President and shall proceed to vote by ballot for President and Vice President of the United States...

All presidential electors shall cast their ballots in the electoral college for the candidates of the political party which nominated them as presidential electors. Any presidential elector who casts his ballot in violation of the provisions is guilty of a fourth degree felony. (Sections 1-15-8 and 1-15-9, NMSA, 1978)

Technical Source:
Rod Adair, New Mexico State Senator

 Texas Electors Meet and Vote
Illustration A: Texas Electors Meet in Austin to Vote
source: C-SPAN - December 18, 2000

Bush Meets With Clinton in White House Illustration B: Clinton Welcomes W. to the White House
source: NBC - December 19, 2000

Election Results by County Illustration C: Final Election Results by County
source: CNN - December 20, 2000

Just For Fun
Butterfly Ballots and Bifocals

Actual Palm Beach Florida Ballot

Proposed Florida Ballot


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