Oregon’s 7 Electoral College votes to be cast Monday

Oregon Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins will preside over Oregon’s Electoral College vote in the Oregon Senate Chamber at the Capitol in Salem at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 19.

“This is a key part of every American presidential election, but it has garnered an unprecedented amount of attention this year,” Atkins said. “I welcome those who are curious to come and observe how we seal Oregon’s votes for president.”

The United States Constitution established the Electoral College. Oregon’s seven Electoral College votes are awarded according to state law.

Before the election, each political party selects seven Electoral College members. If a party’s candidates win the popular vote in Oregon for president and vice president, then the seven Electoral College members selected by that political party meet in Salem to cast their Electoral College votes for their party’s candidates.

In Oregon, a candidate for Electoral College member must sign a pledge form that if elected the candidate will vote in the Electoral College for the candidates of the party.

Since the Democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine, won the popular vote in Oregon, the seven Electoral College members selected by the Democratic Party of Oregon will participate in the Electoral College meeting in Salem on Monday.

The process will be open to the public and will be available to stream via Legislative Media.