[BANGS GAVEL] >> WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE 59TH MEETING OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

I'M YOUR NORTH CAROLINA SECRETARY OF STATE ELAINE MARSHALL AND I THANK ALL OF YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY, ESPECIALLY SO CLOSE TO CHRISTMAS.

ALSO THANK YOU TO OUR VIEWERS WHO ARE WATCHING IN NORTH CAROLINA AND AROUND THE NATION.

TODAY'S EVENT IS BEING BROADCAST LIVE ON TELEVISION, STREAMED LIVE ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S WEBSITE.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OR LISTENING ON THE MANY MEDIA OUTLETS BROADCASTING THIS EVENT.

THANK YOU TO THE NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN PARTY FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN PLANNING THIS EVENT.

NOW BEFORE WE BEGIN, I WILL ASK YOU ALL TO LOOK AT YOUR VARIOUS PHONES AND DEVICES AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THEM IN AIRPLANE MODE OR SILENCED.

GO AHEAD, DOUBLE CHECK JUST TO MAKE SURE YOU'VE DONE THAT.

THANK YOU.

BY STATUTE, NORTH CAROLINA SECRETARY OF STATE IS DESIGNATED TO HOST THIS ELECTORAL COLLEGE AND BY LAW IT IS REQUIRED TO BE HERE IN THE HISTORIC OLD HOUSE CHAMBER, A LOCATION OF SIGNIFICANCE IN THE HISTORY OF OUR STATE.

TODAY'S EVENT IS NO DIFFERENT AND ADDS A NEW CHAPTER TO THE HISTORY OF THIS CHAMBER.

THE ELECTORS WHO ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY HAVE STUDIED THE ELECTION LAWS OF NORTH CAROLINA AS THEY PERTAIN TO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.

AND I KNOW THEY COME HERE READY TO DO THEIR DUTY AS CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE GREAT STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

ONCE THE ELECTORS TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE, THEY WILL TAKE LEADERSHIP AND CONDUCT THE MEETING.

OUR CEREMONY REFLECTS THE SNAPSHOT IN TIME OF 2024.

THE ACTIONS OF THE ELECTORS TODAY WILL REPRESENT THE WILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT VOTED IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.

TODAY THE COLORS WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD.

FOR MANY YEARS NOW, THE MEN AND WOMEN OF OUR STATE'S NATIONAL GUARDS HAVE BEEN SERVING AND DEFENDING THE NATION OVERSEAS IN GREAT NUMBERS AND WITH INSPIRING DISTINCTION.

I'M SO PROUD TO HAVE THEM WITH US HERE TODAY.

WE'RE ALSO JOINED BY MISS NORTH CAROLINA, CARRIE EVERETT.

SHE WAS CROWNED MISS NORTH CAROLINA IN JUNE AND WAS PREVIOUSLY MISS JOHNSON COUNTY.

MISS EVERETT IS A VOCAL PERFORMANCE MAJOR AT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY AND COMPETING FOR THE MISS AMERICA TONIGHT UNTIL A FEW SHORT WEEKS.

WE KNOW SHE WILL MAKE US PROUD REPRESENTING NORTH CAROLINA.

MISS EVERETT WILL BE PERFORMING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IN JUST A MOMENT.

FOLLOWING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, IT IS A TRADITION TO HAVE OUR 4-H OFFICERS LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

QUALITY YOUTH PROGRAMS ARE ESSENTIAL TO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.

4-H IS ONE OF THEOUT STANDING EXAMPLES TOUCHING 226,000 YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE STATE LAST YEAR.

4-H IS THE YOUTH COMPONENT OF THE EXTENSION SERVICE OF OUR GREAT LAND GRANT COLLEGE SYSTEM.

NORTH CAROLINA WAS AMONG THE FIRST STATES TO ADOPT THE 4-H PROGRAM IN 1909.

THESE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE OUR FUTURE LEADERS AND I'M PLEASED THAT THEY CAN BE WITH US AS A PART OF THIS TODAY.

FROM 4-H, WE HAVE NATHAN CROYLE, THE 4-H PRESIDENT.

WE HAVE PRANAV METTU, THE VICE PRESIDENT AND LOGAN SUNDBOM AND ASHLYN COXE.

ONCE THE COLORS ARE IN THE WELL OF THE HOUSE, THE NATIONAL ANTHEM WILL BEGIN.

WILL YOU PLEASE RISE AS THE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD PRESENTS THE COLORS OF OUR COUNTRY AND STATE.

♪ OH SAY CAN YOU SEE ♪ ♪ BY THE DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT ♪ ♪ WHAT SO PROUDLY WE HAILED ♪ ♪ AT THE TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING ♪ ♪ WHOSE BROUGHT STRIPES AND BROUGHT STARS ♪ ♪ THROUGH THE PERILOUS FIGHT ♪ ♪ O'ER THE RAMPARTS WE WATCHED WERE SO GALLANTLY STREAMING ♪ ♪ AND THE ROCKET'S RED GLARE ♪ ♪ THE BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR ♪ ♪ GAVE PROOF THROUGH THE NIGHT ♪ ♪ THAT OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE ♪ ♪ OH SAY DOES THAT STAR SPANGLED BANNER YET WAVE ♪ ♪ O'ER THE LAND OF THE FREE ♪ ♪ AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE ♪ >> I PLEDGE A LEEANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

>> PLEASE REMAIN STANDING WHILE THE COLOR GUARD RETREATS FROM THE CHAMBER AROUND REMAIN STANDING THROUGH THE INVOCATION.

THANK YOU, MISS NORTH CAROLINA.

THANK YOU NATIONAL GUARD.

THANK YOU STATE 4-H LEADERS.

NOW I WOULD LIKE TO ASK REVEREND LARRY McDONALD SR. OF ST. PAUL AME CHURCH IN RALEIGH TO COME FORWARD AND OFFER THE INVOCATION.

HE'S A NATIVE OF FAYETTEVILLE AND A SIGNED TO ST. PAUL AME CHURCH IN JUNE OF 2023.

HE'S A FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY AND BOWLING GREAT STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE AND A MEMBER OF THE FSU ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME.

PROFESSIONALLY HE'S A RETIRED EDUCATOR AND COACH OF FOOTBALL AND TRACK AND FIELD.

REVEREND McDONALD, WOULD YOU PLEASE OFFER OUR INVOCATION TODAY?

>> LET US BOW OUR HEADS.

OH GOD, WE HAVE GATHERED HERE TODAY TO SUPPORT AND PRAY WITH AND FOR THOSE ELECTORAL DELEGATES THAT HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH COMING TO THIS HISTORIC SITE TO CAST THE VOTE ON BEHALF OF THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA FOR THE PRESIDENT AND THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DURING DIFFICULT AND TRYING TIMES IN THIS COUNTRY.

WE COME TO YOU, LORD, FIRST TO SPEAK A BLESSING OVER THEM AND TO ASK THAT YOU BE WITH THEM, LET THEM BE REMINDED THAT ACCORDING TO PSALMS 23 THAT THE LORD IS THEIR SHEPHERD AND THEY SHALL NOT WANT.

EVEN THOUGH WE MAY WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, WE DO NOT HAVE TO FEAR NO EVIL.

FOR YOU ARE WITH US.

YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF WILL COMFORT US.

GIVE US PEACE AND THE FRAME OF MIND THAT DURING TRYING SITUATIONS, THAT WE HAVE A STRONG TOWER IN YOU AND THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR US.

STRENGTHEN THIS GREAT STATE AND ALLOW US TO COME TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF ALL PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND NOT JUST FOR A SELECT GROUP.

FOR YOU, YOUR WORD ASSURES US THAT WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE, A STRONG TOWER THAT WE MIGHT LEAN ON.

LORD, WE'RE PRAYING RIGHT NOW FOR EVERYONE THAT HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR THIS OCCASION AS WELL AS WE'RE PRAYING FOR EASE OF MIND FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND THAT GOD IS THEIR REFUGE AND EVERY PERSON HELP DURING THIS TIME OF CIVIL DUTY, THAT THEY WILL REALIZE ALSO THAT THEY'RE REPRESENTING THE ENTIRE STATE AND THAT A CALMNESS AND A PEACE WILL OVERSHADOW AND PROTECT THEM.

WE PRAY FOR THOSE THAT RAN FOR PUBLIC SERVICE IN THIS STATE AND THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY WHETHER THEY WON OR THEY DIDN'T GET ELECTED.

WE PRAY FOR THOSE ELECTED TO PROTECT, LEAD, GUIDE AS WELL AS TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES FOR THE OFFICE FOR WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN DULY ELECTED.

GIVE THEM THE PEACE TO REPRESENT ALL OF THE STATE WITH FAIRNESS AND EQUITY.

AS WE GO FROM THIS PLACE, LORD, LET US BE EVER-REMINDED THAT IT IS IN YOU THAT WE LIVE, WE MOVE AND WE HAVE OUR VERY BEING.

THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES US STRENGTH AND CONFIDENCE TO CARRY OUT OUR DUTIES, WE PRAY THIS IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

>> AMEN.

>> THANK YOU, PASTOR McDONALD.

YOU MAY BE SEATED.

WE HAVE A NUMBER OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS WITH US TODAY THAT I WISH TO RECOGNIZE.

I WILL ASK YOU EACH TO STAND AS I CALL YOUR NAMES AND HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE.

FIRST, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE MY FELLOW COUNCIL STATE MEASURE DALE FALLWELL.

AMONG OTHER GUESTS, WE HAVE THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, JOEY HOPKINS.

ERIC FLETCHER, GENERAL COUNSEL FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR.

MARY CARLA BABBS, SPECIAL DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL.

TERRENCE SNEED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE.

WE ALSO HAVE TYSON SHOAF REPRESENTING THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, MARK ROBINSON.

THANK YOU ALL.

[APPLAUSE] WE ARE ALSO HONORED TO HAVE HERE TODAY FROM THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JAMES WHITE, DEPUTY CLERK MOLLY MELTON.

THANK YOU ALL.

[APPLAUSE] REPRESENTING OUR JUDICIAL BRUNCH OF GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE JUSTIN PAUL NEWBY AND JUSTICE TAMARA BARRINGER.

FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS, WE HAVE CHIEF JUDGE CHRIS DILLON, JUDGE DONNA STROUD, JUDGE ALEGRA TOWNS AND JUDGE WOOD.

[APPLAUSE] I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GIVE THANKS TO MAJOR GENERAL ALAN BOYAD.

[APPLAUSE] AS NORTH CAROLINA BECOMES MORE GLOBAL, WE'RE MINDFUL ABOUT THE IMPACT IN THE WORLD IS SIGNIFICANT AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACT THAT WE HAVE MANY FOREIGN CONSULTS IN NORTH CAROLINA.

WE HAVE CLAUDIA OSORIO AND THE VICE COUNSEL FROM GUATEMALA, DIANE VINCENTE.

[APPLAUSE] WE ALSO HAVE OTHER HONORARY CONSULTS REPRESENTING JAPAN, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA.

IF YOU WOULD STAND.

[APPLAUSE] WE ARE HONORED TO BE JOINED BY TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS.

U.S. PRESIDENT DIANA WYNN AND N.C. PRESIDENT JENNIFER RUBEN.

OKAY.

WE WILL WELCOME YOU TO THIS 59th MEETING OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

NOW AS WE PREPARE TO BEGIN THE VOTING PROCESS FOR NORTH CAROLINA ELECTORAL COLLEGE, I'D LIKE TO MENTION A FEW KEY FACTS ABOUT THIS PROCESS.

MEETINGS OF THE 59th ELECTORAL COLLEGE ARE BEING HELD ACROSS THE NATION RIGHT NOW.

EACH STATE IS HOLDING A SEPARATE MEETING, BUT THEY ALL MEET TODAY.

IT WAS DECIDED LONG AGO TO HAVE THESE MEETINGS SEPARATELY VERSUS HAVING ALL OF THE STATE REPRESENTATIVES GO TO ONE SINGLE ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONVENTION.

ELECTORS CANNOT BE POWERFUL PUBLIC OFFICIALS.

IN FACT, IF YOU'RE AN OFFICE HOLDER OTHERWISE, YOU CANNOT SERVE AS AN ELECTOR.

TO BECOME AN ELECTOR, YOU MUST BE A CITIZEN THAT IS OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE AND ELIGIBLE TO VOTE.

YOU NEED TO OFFER YOUR NAME TO THE POLITICAL PARTY FOR CONSIDERATION.

GENERALLY THE POLITICAL PARTIES PICK THEIR STATE ELECTOR NOMINEES AT THE ANNUAL POLITICAL CONVENTIONS IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

EVERY STATE HAS A SET FORMULA NUMBER OF VOTES.

THEY INCLUDE TWO VOTES LIKE TWO UNITED STATES SENATE SEATS AND THE NUMBER OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS THAT STATE HAS, WHICH FOR NORTH CAROLINA IS 14.

FOR NORTH CAROLINA, 16 VOTES.

FINALLY, THE VOTES WILL BE RECORDED AND SENT TO WASHINGTON D.C.

I WILL ADD A PERSONAL REFLECTION THAT TODAY IS PART OF A LODGER PROCESS THAT INCLUDED THE CAMPAIGN SEASON, THE ELECTION AND INAUGURATION YET TO COME NEXT MONTH.

AS WE GATHER TODAY TO RECORD ELECTOR'S VOTES, WE MUST RESOLVE TO UNITE TO DO THE WORK OF DEMOCRACY.

AS OFFICE HOLDERS, CITIZENS AND AMERICANS IN THE DAYS AND MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD.

NO MATTER OUR POLITICAL STRIPES, WE ALL WANT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO BE THE GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD.

THE HEAVY LIFTING TO MAKE THAT REALITY IS STILL AHEAD OF US.

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE REPRESENTS CITIZENS PEACEFULLY PASSING ON PRESIDENTIAL POWER FROM ONE TERM IN OFFICE TO THE NEXT.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WATCHING ON TELEVISION OR ON A COMPUTER OR OTHER DEVICES, YOU'RE GETTING A FRONT SEAT TO DEMOCRACY IN ACTION.

FOR OUR STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE, THIS IS A TREMENDOUS REAL-TIME CIVICS LESSON THAT BRINGS OUR RICH HISTORY AND OUR PRESENT DAY TOGETHER.

JUST AS IMPORTANT AS LEARNING ABOUT THE HISTORY, THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE IS VIEWED BY ME AND OTHERS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE AND AS CITIZENS OF NORTH CAROLINA AND THE UNITED STATES TO RECOMMIT OURSELVES TO DOING THE GOOD -- WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THE STATE AND THE COUNTRY AS WE FACE DAUNTING GLOBAL AND DOMESTIC CHALLENGES.

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LOOK OUTSIDE OF THE POLITICAL ARENA FOR SOLID GUIDANCE ON TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION.

ENTREPRENEUR HENRY FORD KNEW ITS POWER.

HE SAID COMING TOGETHER IS THE BEGINNING.

KEEPING IT TOGETHER IS PROGRESS.

WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS.

THE POWER OF UNITING HAS BEEN ECHOS LU THE HALLS OF OUR INSTITUTION FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS.

IN PRESIDENT EISENHOWER'S SECOND INAUGURAL SPEECH, HE SAID ONE TRUTH MUST RULE ALL WE THINK AND ALL WE DO.

THE UNITY OF ALL WHO DWELL IN FREE COME IS THE ONLY SURE DEFENSE.

MORE CURRENTLY LAST MONTH ADDRESSED BY PRESIDENT BIDEN, HE SAID FOR OVER 200 YEARS, AMERICA HAS CARRIED ON THE GREATEST EXPERIMENT IN SELF-GOVERNMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD WHERE THE PEOPLE VOTE AND CHOOSE THEIR OWN LEADER AROUND DO IT PEACEFULLY AND WE'RE IN A DEMOCRACY.

AFTER ALL, THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE IS A SYSTEM BORN OF COMPROMISE.

AS MANY POLITICAL SCIENTISTS HAVE POINTED OUT, THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE WAS NEVER INTENDED TO BE A PERFECT SYSTEM FOR PICKING A PRESIDENT.

THE SYSTEM WE USE TODAY WITH SOME MODIFICATIONS WAS BORNE OUT OF A MULTITUDE OF POLITICAL DIFFERENCES AT THE TIME.

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE WE EXPERIENCE IN 2024 MAY REMAIN FOR ANOTHER 200 PLUS YEARS OR AS PERMITTED UNDER THE CONSTITUTION, IT MAY CHANGE BEFORE THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, A PEACEFUL FORM OF TRANSFER AND POLITICAL POWER MUST ENDURE AS WE WORK TOGETHER FOR A STRONGER STATE AND TOWARDS A MORE PERFECT UNION.

I WOULD NOW LIKE TO INTRODUCE THE ELECTORS TO THIS GATHERING.

THE 16 REPUBLICAN LECTORS ARE CALLED HERE IN RALEIGH AND HAVE ASSEMBLED TO CAST NORTH CAROLINA'S 16 ELECTORAL VOTES FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT.

AS I INTRODUCE EACH ELECTOR, WOULD YOU STAND AND REMAIN STANDING UNTIL THE OATH OF OFFICE IS ADMINISTERED?

I WILL BEGIN WITH THE TWO AT-LARGE ELECTORS.

ELECTOR AT LARGE, JASON SIMMONS OF NEW HILL.

ELECTOR AT LARGE, SUSAN MILLS OF FAYETTEVILLE.

NOW FOR THE DISTRICT ELECTORS.

ELECTOR FIRST DIRECT, KIMBERLY COTTEN-WEST OF PLYMOUTH.

ELECTOR SUSAN PHILLIPS OF CARY.

ELECTOR THIRD DISTRICT, STEPHANIE BROUGHT TOWN OF SWARNSBORO.

ELECTOR SIXTH DISTRICT, DAVID GLEESON OF JAMESTOWN.

ELECTOR SEVENTH DISTRICT, HELEN PANNULLO OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH.

AND ELECTOR NINTH DISTRICT, RICK THOMAS RICK SMITH OF ASHEBORO.

TENTH DISTRICT, LEISA ROWE OF STATESVILLE.

AND ROXAN WETZEL OF MARION.

ELECTOR 12th DISTRICT, ERNEST JSHG WITTENBORN OF CHARLOTTE.

ELECTOR 13th DISTRICT, MICHAEL MAGNANTI OF OXFORD.

ELECTOR 14th DISTRICT, BYRON SMITH OF GOLDEN VALLEY, THANK YOU.

IT IS NOW MY PLEASURE TO ASK PAUL NEWBY, CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT TO ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ELECTORAL OFFICE.

CHIEF JUSTICE NEWBY HAS SERVED THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CAROLINA THROUGH A NOTABLE CAREER.

HE WAS FIRST ELECTED TO THE SUPREME COURT AS ASSOCIATE JUSTICE IN 2004 AROUND ELECTED TO CHIEF JUSTICE IN THE 2020 ELECTION.

PRIOR TO SERVICE ON THE BENCH, HE LED AN EXEMPLARY CAREER IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AND IN 1985 WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA.

HE'S ALSO A VERY PROUD EAGLE SCOUT.

CHIEF JUSTICE NEWBY, WILL YOU PLEASE ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE?

>> THANK YOU, MADAM SECRETARY.

WHAT A HISTORIC PLACE FOR SUCH A GREAT HISTORIC OCCASION.

AND I JUST GOT TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT HISTORY.

SORRY.

WE HAVE BEEN DOING OATHS SINCE OUR 1776 CONTUSION.

IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO REFLECT THAT WE ARE BOUND BY OUR LAWS AND IN THIS CASE THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

IN THIS HISTORIC CHAMBER, REMINDED THAT 248 YEARS AGO TODAY, 248 YEARS AGO, WE ADOPTED OUR DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, THINK BILL OF RIGHTS.

IT'S IN THE FRONT AND NOT THE BACK.

WE DID THAT ON DECEMBER THE 17th OF 1776, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WENT HOME FOR A DAY AND CAME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND ADOPTED THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT.

YOU GOT TO ASK WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT?

WELL, THEY DID IT BECAUSE IT SAYS IN OUR CONSTITUTION OUR RIGHTS COME FROM GOD.

GOD GIVES US THESE RIGHTS AND GOVERNMENT EXISTS TO PROTECT.

TO PROTECT THESE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS.

TO SYMBOLIZE THAT, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTED OUR DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, WENT HOME AND CAME BACK THE NEXT DAY, DECEMBER 18 AND ADOPTED OUR FORM OF GOVERNMENT.

BOY, WE STAND ON SOME BROAD SHOULDERS THAT HAVE GIVEN US AN INCREDIBLE FOUNDATION IN OUR REPRESENTATIVE REPUBLIC.

THERE'S NO GREATER EXAMPLE OF THAT THAN OUR ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE.

SO I'M GOING TO READ THE OATH.

AT THE END, IT SAYS SO HELP ME GOD AND YOU WILL SAY, I DO OR I DO SO SO HELP ME GOD.

AT THIS TIME PUT YOUR LEFT HAND ON THE BIBLE, RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND.

YOU CAN HOLD THE BIBLE IF YOU WANT TO IN YOUR LEFT HAND IF THAT'S EASIER.

OKAY.

DO EACH OF YOU SOLEMNLY AN SINCERELY SWEAR THAT YOU'LL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, THAT YOU WILL BE FAITHFUL AND BEAR TRUE ALLEGIANCE TO THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS AND AUTHORITIES WHICH ARE OR MAY BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND YOU'LL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF SAID STATE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND FURTHER SWEAR THAT YOU'LL EXECUTE THE DUTIES OF YOUR OFFICE OF ELECTOR OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY ACCORDING TO LAW SO HELP YOU GOD?

>> I DO!

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

THANKS FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE.

>> THANK YOU.

THE OATHS HAVING BEEN ADMINISTERED, PLEASE BE SEATED.

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE WILL NOW SELECT ITS OFFICERS AND PROCEED WITH BUSINESS.

I OPEN THE FLOOR FOR THE NOMINATION OF A PRESIDENT FOR THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

I RECOGNIZE MICHAEL MAGNANTI OF THE 13th DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING AND ELECTOR FOR THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

>> MADAM SECRETARY, I'D LIKE TO PUT THE NAME OF THE HONORABLE DAN BARRY FOR THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE COLLEGE, YOU HAVE HEARD THE NOMINATION OF ELECTOR DANIEL BARRY.

DO I HEAR A SECOND?

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES HELEN PANNULLO OF THE SEVENTH DISTRICT.

>> I SECOND THE NOMINATION OF DANIEL BARRY OF THE EIGHTH DISTRICT FOR THE NAME NATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ELECTOR COLLEGE.

>> ARE THERE ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS?

HEARING NONE, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE NOMINATIONS?

>> SO MOVE.

>> IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> ALL IN FAVOR OF CLOSING THE NOMINATION, VOTE AYE.

>> AYE.

>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NEY.

THE AYES HAVE IT THE NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED.

ALL THE FAVOR OF DANIEL BARRY OF THE EIGHTH DISTRICT SO SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

ANY OPPOSED SAY NO.

THE AYES HAVE IT.

DANIEL BARRY WILL BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE 59th ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

PLEASE TAKE OVER OF THE REMAINDER OF THIS MEETING.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU.

IT'S AN HONOR TO SERVE THE PRESIDENT OF THE 59th ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

JUSTICE NEWBY SAID WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THE HISTORY OF THIS BODY AND OUR CALLING TO BE HERE.

IT'S NOT LOST ON ME.

OUR ROLE IN THE CONSTITUTION AND FEDERAL AND STATE LAW AND ESPECIALLY HIT WHEN YOU ACTUALLY READ A SUMMON FROM THE GOVERNOR, NOT A REQUEST TO MEET, BUT A SUMMONS THAT WE SHALL MEET HERE.

SHALL IS IMPORTANT WORD.

BEFORE WE GET STARTED ON THE BUSINESS OF THE DAY, I'D BE REMISS AS THE PRESIDENT OF THIS BODY AND AS A MEMBER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY NOT TO CALL OUT A VERY DISTINGUISHED GUEST THAT MADE IT TO THIS AND WAS A SURPRISE TO ME, BUT YA'LL JOIN ME IN WELCOMING AND THANKING NORTH CAROLINA'S OWN AND CONGRATULATE HIM FOR A JOB WELL DONE, CHAIRMAN MICHAEL WHATLEY OF THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE.

[APPLAUSE] JOB WELL-DONE, MR. CHAIRMAN.

THE FLOOR IS NOW OPEN FOR US TO CONTINUE ORGANIZING AND I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE ELECTOR SUSAN PHILIPS OF THE SECOND DIRECT FOR THE NOMINATION OF SECRETARY.

>> I RISE TO NOMINATE STEPHANIE BROUGHTON.

>> STEPHANIE BROUGHTON HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR SECRETARY.

DO I HEAR A SECOND FOR THAT NOMINATION?

THOMAS GLENDINNING.

>> I SECOND THE NOMINATION OF STEPHANIE BROUGHTON.

>> ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS?

HEARING NONE, THE PRESIDENT WILL TAKE A NOMINATION TO CLOSE.

A MOTION TO CLOSE.

IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF CLOSING NOMINATIONS SIGNIFY BY AYE.

ANY NEYS?

THE NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

THANK YOU.

THOSE IN FAVOR OF ELECTING STEPHANIE BROUGHTON AS SECRETARY OF THE COLLEGE, SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

ANY OPPOSED?

STEPHANIE BROUGHTON HAS BEEN ELECTED.

PLEASE JOIN US.

I NOW WOULD LIKE TO OPEN THE FLOOR FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL TELLER.

I RECOGNIZE MY FRIEND AND FELLOW ELECTOR, KIMBERLY COTTEN-WEST FOR THAT PURPOSE.

>> I'D LIKE TO PLACE THE NOMINATION NOMINATION OF ELECTOR SUSAN MILLS AT LARGE FOR PRESIDENTIAL TELLER.

>> YOU HAVE HEARD THE NOMINATION FOR ELECTOR SUSAN MILLS AT LARGE TO PRESIDENT PRESIDENTIAL TELLER.

DO I HEAR A SECOND?

ERNIE WITTENBORN.

>> I SECOND THE NOMINATION FOR SUSAN MILLS FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENTIAL TELLER.

>> THANKS.

ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS?

HEARING NONE, I'LL TAKE A MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS.

SO MOVED.

IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF CLOSING NOMINATIONS SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

ANY OPPOSED?

NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN CLOSED ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF ELECTING SUSAN MILLS, AN AT-LARGE ELECTOR AS PRESIDENTIAL TELLER OF THE COLLEGE SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

ANY OPPOSED?

SUSAN MILLS.

PLEASE JOIN US AT THE DIAS.

YOU HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO SERVE AS PRESIDENTIAL TELLER.

I NOW OPEN THE FLOOR FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL TELLER.

FOR THIS PURPOSE, I RECOGNIZE DAVID GLEESON.

>> THANKS, MR. PRESIDENT.

I WOULD LIKE TO PLACE A NOMINATION THE NAME OF ROXAN WETZEL OF THE 11th DISTRICT FOR FIRST -- FOR VICE PRESIDENTIAL TELLER.

>> THANKS VERY MUCH, MR. GLEESON.

YOU HEARD THE NOMINATION OF ROXAN WETZEL, THE 11th DISTRICT FOR VICE PRESIDENTABLE TELLER.

DO I HEAR A SECOND?

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES DEANNA De'LIBERTO.

>> I SECOND THE NOMINATION OF ROXAN WETZEL.

>> THANK YOU.

ANY FURTHER NOMINATIONS?

HEARING NONE, I WILL TAKE A MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS.

>> MOTION TO CLOSE.

>> IS THERE A SECOND?

>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF CLOSING THE NOMINATIONS SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

ANY OPPOSED NAY.

ROXAN WETZEL OF THE 11th DIRECT HAS BEEN ELECTED AS VICE PRESIDENTIAL TELLER OF THE COLLEGE.

PLEASE JOIN US AT THE DIAS.

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE OF NORTH CAROLINA HAVING BUT DUTY ORGANIZED, THE BALLOTING FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL BEGIN IN A MINUTE.

BEFORE THAT HAPPENS, I WANT TO TAKE A MINUTE TO RECOGNIZE OUR ALTERNATE ELECTORS THAT ARE HEAR WITH US TODAY, JOYCE COTTON OF PITTSBORO AND DALE CLINE OF HICKORY.

[APPLAUSE] IN THE EVENT THAT SOMETHING SHOULD HAPPEN AND ONE OF US IS UNABLE TO FULFILL OUR RESPONSIBILITIES, THEY'RE HERE TO STEP IN THE THAT WERE TO OCCUR.

NEXT WE WILL BEGIN WITH THE BALLOTING FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

IT IS MY HIGH HONOR TO RECOGNIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN PARTY AND AT-LARGE ELECTOR, JASON SIMMONS.

>> THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT.

AS CHAIRMAN OF NORTH CAROLINA'S REPUBLICAN PARTY, IT'S MY HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO NOMINATE THE 45th PRESIDENT, DONALD J. TRUMP AS THE 47th PRESIDENT OF THESE UNITED STATES.

TO BE ABLE TO RESTORE PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN OUR COUNTRY, TO USHER IN AMERICA'S GOLDEN AGE.

THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

IS THERE A SECOND FOR THE NOMINATION OF DONALD J. TRUMP AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND FOR THIS PURPOSE I RECOGNIZE ELECTOR BRYSON SMITH OF THE 14th DISTRICT.

>> MR. PRESIDENT, I BRYSON SMITH CHAIRMAN OF THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY, HOME OF THE NORTH CAROLINA TRUMP TEAM IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY TRUMP LADIES AS THE FIRST ELECTOR TO THE NEWLY-FORMED 14th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WITH BOLDNESS AND DETERMINATION I SECOND THE NOMINATION OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP AS PRESIDENT OF THESE GLORIOUS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF NORTH CAROLINA VOTERS.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES?

HEARING NONE, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS?

IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR -- BY CLOSING NOMINATIONS, SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

ANY OPPOSED?

THE BALLOTING WILL PROCEED FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

WOULD THE PRESIDENTIAL TELLER OPEN AND PASS EACH ELECTOR A BALLOT AS INDICATED.

ELECTORS.

THIS IS IMPORTANT.

PLEASE MARK YOUR BALLOT ACCORDINGLY AND SIGN IT IN WRITING.

MAKE SURE TO SIGN YOUR BALLOT AND USE THE LINES PROVIDED.

>> IT APPEARS THE BALLOTING HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

I ASK THE TELLER TO GATHER THE BALLOTS AND PRESENT THEM TO THE SECRETARY FOR COUNTING.

MADAM SECRETARY, HAVE ALL BALLOTS BEEN RECEIVED?

>> THE ELECTORAL VOTEDS OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA HAVE BEEN CAST ON THIS 17th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2024 BY THE 16th NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN ELECTORS AND ALL 16 VOTES ARE FOR DONALD J. TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

[APPLAUSE] >> THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES HAVE NOW BEEN TAKEN FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

THE FLOOR IS NOW OPEN FOR A NOMINATION FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

FOR THIS PURPOSE, I RECOGNIZE RICK SMITH OF THE NINTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING J.D.

VANCE.

>> MR. PRESIDENT, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE RANDOLPH COUNTY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, IT'S A GREAT PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO PLACE THE NOMINATION, THE NAME OF THE FIRST VICE PRESIDENT THAT WILL BE OF THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION, A MARINE AND A GREAT PATRIOT, A MAN WHOSE ROOTS ARE IN THE HILLS OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY AND WHO WILL STAND BESIDE OUR PRESIDENT, DONALD J. TRUMP AND MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, I NOMINATE U.S.

SENATOR FROM OHIO, J.D.

VANCE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, ELECTOR SMITH.

I'D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE ELECTOR LEISA ROWE TO SECOND THE NOMINATION.

>> IT'S MY GREAT PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO SECOND THE NOMINATION FOR J.D.

VANCE FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

ARE THERE ANY FURTHER NOMINATIONS?

HEARING NONE, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS?

>> SO MOVE.

>> IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF CLOSING NOMINATIONS SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED NAY.

THE AYE HAVE IT AND NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED.

THE BALLOTING WILL NOW PROCEED FOR HAVEN'T OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

WOULD THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL TELLER RECEIVE THE BALLOTS FROM THE SECRETARY AND PASS ONE TO EACH ELECTOR AS INDICATED.

ELECTORS LIKE THE PRESIDENTIAL BALLOTS, PLEASE MARK FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IN WRITING IN THE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE ON THE LINE WHICH IS PROVIDED AND SIGN YOUR NAME.

IF THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL TELLER WILL COLLECT THE BALLOTS FROM THE TELLERS FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND DELIVER THEM TO THE SECRETARY TO ASSIST YOU IN COUNTING.

>> THE ELECTORAL VOTES OF NORTH CAROLINA HAVE BEEN CAST ON THIS 17th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2024.

BY THE 16 REPUBLICAN ELECTORS AND THE RESULT IS AS FOLLOWS.

16 VOTES CAST FOR J.D.

VANCE FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

[APPLAUSE] >> MADAM SECRETARY, WOULD YOU PLEASE SET OUT THE CERTIFICATES TO VOTE.

BY LAW, EACH ELECTOR WILL SIGN SIX COPIES OF THE CERTIFICATE OF VOTE.

ONCE THE CERTIFICATES OF VOTE ARE IN PLACE, EACH ELECTOR WILL PROCEED TO THE SIGNING TABLE TO SIGN ALL SIX COPIES OF THE CERTIFICATE OF VOTE ON YOUR DESIGNATED LINE.

THESE WILL BE SENT FOLLOW -- TO WASHINGTON D.C.

FOLLOWING OUR MEETING TODAY.

WHILE THESE CERTIFICATES ARE BEING SIGNED, WE WILL HEAR SOME MUSICAL SELECTIONS FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY RECORDED IN 2021.

THE SELECTIONS ARE FROM MUSIC "FOR WINTERS EVE."

THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE MEETING.

THAT WILL HAPPEN A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE SIGNINGS.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.

I'D LIKE TO THANK THE STAFF OF THE STATE CAPITOL AND SPECIFICALLY THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE AND TIM CROWLEY FOR HIS HELP AND ORGANIZING THE 59th ELECTORAL COLLEGE FOR NORTH CAROLINA.

IN ADDITION, NONE OF US WOULD BE HERE TODAY IF IT WASN'T FOR THE FANTASTIC STAFF FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN PARTY AND SPECIFICALLY ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MATT JUDGE, LONG-TIME FRIEND OF MINE.

IN JUST A MOMENT, I WILL HAND THE DIAS BACK TO SECRETARY MARSHALL WHO WILL CLOSE US OUT.

IF THERE'S NO FURTHER BUSINESS TODAY OR COME BEFORE THIS COLLEGE, DO I HEAR A MOTION TO ADJOURN?

>> MR. PRESIDENT, AS THE PAST CHAIR OF DISTRICT 6, IT'S A PLEASURE AND HONOR TO BE WITH MY FELLOW DELEGATES.

I MOVE THAT WE CLOSE AND ADJOURN THE 2024 NORTH CAROLINA ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

>> THANKS VERY MUCH, ELECTOR GLEESON.

IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> THAT'S YOU.

>> MR. PRESIDENT, I DEANNA De'LIBERTO SECOND THE MOTION TO ADJOURN.

>> THANK YOU.

ALL THOSE SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

ANY OPPOSED NAY.

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE IS ADJOURNED UNTIL 2028.

I NOW TURN THE PROGRAM BACK OVER TO SECRETARY MARSHALL.

[BANGS GAVEL] >> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CAROLINA THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

I WANT TO THANK ALL OF OUR PARTICIPANTS TODAY AS WELL AND EVERYONE WATCHING ON TELEVISION OR LIVE STREAM OF THIS MEETING ACROSS THIS STATE AND AROUND THE WORLD.

AS WE END OUR PROCEEDINGS TODAY, I WILL ASK STAFF AND OTHER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO EXIT THE HOUSE CHAMBER FIRST SO OUR ELECTORS CAN HAVE A CHANCE TO TAKE PHOTOS AS WE CONCLUDE.

PLEASE TRAVEL SAFELY AS YOU LEAVE HERE TODAY.

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU.

[APPLAUSE]