ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland’s 10 members of the Electoral College voted for Hillary Clinton on Monday, as dozens of demonstrators protested outside the Maryland State House because Clinton won the popular vote in last month’s election but lost the presidency to Republican President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed for victory when the Electoral College formally voted on Monday.
Maryland’s electors were required by law to vote for the presidential and vice presidential candidates who won the state in the Nov. 8 general election. Clinton, a Democrat, won 60 percent of the vote in Maryland, but Trump won in states with more Electoral College votes than Clinton. Trump was set to win 306 of the 538 electoral votes under the state-by-state distribution of electors used to choose presidents.
Still, Maryland electors cast their votes with enthusiasm for Clinton in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1.
“With great joy, I vote today for Hillary Rodham Clinton,” said Susan Ness, one Maryland’s electors, as a roll call vote was taken in the Governor’s Reception Room.
Republican Gov. Larry Hogan gave opening remarks before the ceremony. Hogan, who wrote in his father for president rather than vote for Trump last month, noted that Maryland is one of only six states that has participated in every Electoral College since 1789. He also pointed out that Monday’s ceremony marked the first time a vote by Maryland’s electors was broadcast live online.
Outside, demonstrators protested the overall outcome, because Clinton won the national popular vote by 2.6 million votes.
“It makes absolutely no sense that someone could win - Hillary could win - by almost 3 million votes and still not be president,” said Elizabeth Sloan, 57, of Glenn Dale, Maryland. “It makes no sense.”
Courtney Watson, one of the 10 electors, said Monday marked a very poignant moment for Maryland residents, after a majority of them voted for Clinton as the first woman nominee of a major political party. She said she believes changes to the Electoral College system should be considered in the future.
“I think it definitely needs to be reviewed,” she said after voting, adding: “I think we should look at it, and we should find a way to make sure that we’re not disenfranchising voters.”
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