WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Supreme Court justices on Wednesday grilled attorneys promoting that “electors” in the complex Electoral College system that chooses the winner of U.S. presidential elections are complimentary to disregard laws directing them to back the prospect who dominates in their state’s popular vote.
FILE PICTURE: Bret Chiafalo, a plaintiff in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, positions for an image at Lake Stickney Park near his house in Lynnwood, Washington, U.S. May 9,2020 REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson/File Image
If enough electors do so, it might overthrow an election, or, as some of the justices stated, cause “mayhem.”
The justices heard arguments in two closely viewed cases – one from Colorado and one from Washington state – less than six months before the Nov. 3 election in which presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden challenges Republican politician President Donald Trump.
The justices also revealed issue over maintaining states’ capability to eliminate electors who have been bribed to elect a particular prospect. On the other hand, the justices also pressed attorneys for Colorado and Washington state whether there are any limits on state powers seeking to control how electors vote.
The litigation includes the governmental election system set out in the U.S. Constitution in which the winner is identified not by collecting a majority in the nationwide popular vote but by securing a majority of electoral votes set aside to the 50 U.S. specifies an