DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa’s six Republican electors cast their votes for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Monday, affirming their win in an election that saw record turnout and victories in 93 of the state’s 99 counties.
Gov. Kim Reynolds presided over the meeting at the Iowa Capitol where the six Republican activists filled out ballots. The vote was a formality since the electors were required by law to vote for the candidate who won the state’s popular vote.
Trump won the state 53% to Joe Biden’s 45%. A record 1.7 million voters cast ballots, for a turnout rate of more than 76%.
“As Iowans I think we take our role very serious and I just appreciate the turnout, so it’s an honor for me to be here this morning and to preside over this ceremony to make sure that Iowans’ voices are heard and that their votes are counted in this presidential election,” Reynolds said.
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, a Republican, was unwilling to declare Biden the president-elect, saying Congress will decide that in January when all Electoral College results from Monday are approved. When asked after the formal elector meeting if he thought there was still doubt, he said Americans should take a deep breath and allow the process to be completed.
“You’ve got to let it work itself through. The last thing you want is for Americans to feel they were shortchanged on their vote,” he said.
Reynolds, a Republican, declined further comment after the meeting.
Spokesman Pat Garrett said Reynolds has said many times that she believes Trump, his campaign and supporters have every right to pursue lawful, legal action in the courts. Trump has refused to concede the election and continues to make unsupported allegations of fraud.
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