Illinois electors cast votes after Durbin proposes ending Electoral College

[December 18, 2024]  By Greg Bishop | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – As Illinois’ presidential electors cast their Electoral College votes, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin advocates to abolish the system that picks the president of the United States.

The ceremony in Springfield was an important one for Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who presided over the event Tuesday as the person responsible for certifying the vote.

Presidential elector Vera Davis made a statement about how proud she is.

“To cast this historical ballot for a person who has broken barriers for women, and particularly women of color,” Davis said.

After the vote of all 19 presidential electors, Giannoulias recognized similar ceremonies are happening across the country.

“Today across our nation, electors are fulfilling their constitutional duty to affirm the will of the people,” Giannoulias said.

Despite Harris winning Illinois, Donald Trump is the projected winner of the overall Electoral College. He also won the overall popular vote.

Durbin said in a statement Monday it's time to end the "18th century invention" of the Electoral College that he said "disenfranchises millions of Americans."

“The American people deserve to choose all their leaders, and I am proud to support this effort,” Durbin said.

Illinois presidential electors count ballots Tuesday in Springfield - BlueRoomStream

Giannoulias reacted to Durbin’s proposal.

“On the personal side, I would agree with Senator Durbin, it’s probably an antiquated process,” he said. “As secretary of state, I’m here to uphold the Constitution and all state laws and I’m proud of that duty.”

Giannoulias said he favors Illinois as a winner-take-all state.

State Rep. Maurice West, who was also an elector, said if anyone at the statehouse is interested in changing that to proportional, he’s open to the conversation.

“If there’s colleagues of mine in the 104th General Assembly that wants to raise that conversation, I’m willing to have it, but for now Illinois is a winner-take-all state,” said West, D-Rockford.

Illinois legislators return to the capitol after the new year for lame duck session. The new General Assembly will be seated Jan. 8.