Biden clears 270-vote mark as electors affirm his victory

WASHINGTON (PTI):

The Electoral College gave Joe Biden a majority of its votes, confirming his victory in last month's election in state-by-state voting that took on added importance this year because President Donald Trump refused to concede he lost.

California's 55 electoral votes put Biden over the top, clearing the 270-vote mark that affirmed he will be the nation's next president.

In Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin the six battleground states that Biden won and Trump contested electors gave Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris their votes in low-key proceedings.

When all the votes are in, Biden was expected to have 306 electoral votes to 232 for Trump. Hawaii was the only state that had yet to vote. Biden topped Trump by more than 7 million votes nationwide.

ALSO READ:

Also Read: Gerard Houllier, former Liverpool coach, dies at 73

"In this battle for the soul of America, democracy prevailed," Biden said in remarks prepared for an evening speech and added that, "We the people voted. Faith in our institutions held. The integrity of our elections remains intact. And so, now it is time to turn the page. To unite. To heal."

Biden renewed his campaign promise to be a president for all Americans, whether they voted for him or not, and said the country has hard work ahead on the virus and economy.

Even with the Electoral College's confirmation of Biden's victory, some Republicans continued to refuse to acknowledge that reality. Yet their opposition to Biden had no practical effect on the electoral process, with the Democrat to be sworn in on January 20.

Biden will address the nation, after the electors have voted. Trump, meanwhile, is clinging to his false claims that he won the election, and trying to undermine Biden's presidency before it begins.

"I worry about the country having an illegitimate president, that's what I worry about."Trump said in a Fox News intervie. (PTI)

ALSO WATCH: