Don’t count chickens (electors) before they hatch

The United States is a democracy in which the people have the opportunity to vote. This vote is called “the popular vote.” If our country were a direct democracy, the popular vote would determine the next president.

However, according to our Constitution, it is not the voters but the “electors on the electoral college” who determine who will hold the office of president. These “electors” are not obligated to follow the “popular vote.”

The “electors” on the first Monday following the second Wednesday in December (Dec. 19) will sign and certify their ballot; put it in a sealed envelope addressed to the president of Congress.

On Jan. 6, Congress will meet and tally up the electors’ ballot. This will be the first time we will hear who has been elected as president of the United States.

This may be an election year where some good old-fashioned advice may be relevant. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”

Dianne Peterson

Clark Fork, Idaho