Bismarck, ND — On Tuesday, December 17, North Dakota’s three presidential electors officially cast their votes for Donald Trump and vice president-elect JD Vance in a ceremony held at the state capitol in Bismarck. The event marked a key step in the U.S. Electoral College process, as electors across the country met to confirm the results of the November election.
Governor Kelly Armstrong attended the meeting, where state Republicans Rick Becker, Kim Koppelman, and State Senator Jeff Magrum were selected to serve as North Dakota’s electors. Each elector filled out their ballot, which was then signed to certify their vote for Trump and Vance.
In brief remarks following the vote, Becker stressed the importance of the Electoral College in maintaining balance among the states. “Our founding fathers realized that it’s important that the states elect, so that the power’s distributed amongst the states,” Becker said. “So, in a rural state like North Dakota, this is how we retain some of our power, some of our stature in the nation.”
Magrum, who also serves in the state legislature, reflected on the nationwide significance of the event. “It’s happening in every capital in the United States at the same time today at 1:00 p.m., so it was really a very big honor to be part of that in a nationwide effort to put our new president in office,” he said.
The next step in the Electoral College process will take place on January 6, 2025, when Congress convenes to count and certify the electoral votes in Washington, D.C. After that, the official inauguration of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance will take place on January 20, 2025.
Magrum, in addition to his duties as an elector, has confirmed he plans to attend the inauguration in Washington, D.C., marking the culmination of the electoral process.
North Dakota, like all states, plays a crucial role in the Electoral College, which ultimately determines the outcome of U.S. presidential elections. The state’s three electoral votes went solidly for Trump in the 2024 election, reflecting his strong support among North Dakota voters.
