Hillary Clinton.
Following Hillary Clinton’s crushing defeat in her race to the White House, upset Americans are urging the Electoral College to elect the former secretary of state as president of the U.S. when they meet in December.
A Change.org petition launched this week is asking the special group of electors to make Clinton the nation’s next commander-in-chief. The former First Lady lost the presidential election in a historic upset to reality star turned politician Donald Trump — who many argue doesn’t have the political experience to run the country.
The petition has since received a total of 2,590,789 signatures from supporters.
“We’re calling on the Electors to ignore their states’ votes and cast their ballots for Secretary Clinton,” the petition reads. “Why? Mr. Trump is unfit to serve. His scapegoating of so many Americans, and his impulsivity, bullying, lying, admitted history of sexual assault, and utter lack of experience make him a danger to the Republic.”
The Electoral College is scheduled to cast their ballots for president on Dec. 19, giving Clinton another chance to win the presidency. Electors have the choice of either voting the way their states did (in favor of Trump), or they can write-in their vote for Clinton.
On Election Day, Clinton won the popular vote by a margin of 395,595 votes over Trump. But because the Electoral College is directly responsible for electing the president, the former real estate tycoon was able to snag a spot in the White House.
Critics of the electoral process have long spoken out about the flawed system, arguing that the special group of electors only favors states that lack diversity. Others express confusion about the need to vote at all since the Electoral College ultimately decides who is elected.
“The only reason Trump “won” is because of the Electoral College,” the petition states. “But the Electoral College can actually give the White House to either candidate. So why not use this most undemocratic of our institutions to ensure a democratic result?”
The petition continues to gain steam as it circulates among celebrities and other influencers on social media. Petition organizers ultimately hope to reach 3,000,000 signatures.
Electoral College Make Hillary Clinton President on December 19 https://t.co/M5eHfrBGn8 via @Change
— Eva Marcille (@EvaMarcille) November 11, 2016
It's a long shot but it's worth a try. Please sign and share and maybe we can still save the world
https://t.co/2LdgyKi2uN— BLM BEX (@IBexWeBex) November 11, 2016
It's a long shot but desperate times call for desperate measures. Sign the petition and spread the word.https://t.co/Xi8PUUPQiU
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) November 11, 2016
Hillary won the popular vote. More people in this country want her to lead and be our president. The majority… https://t.co/5s3XpKxSlL
— Nikki Tomlinson (@nikkitomlinson) November 11, 2016
