Congressman Brad Sherman Statement Urging Respect for the Electoral Process
Sherman Oaks, California – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement on the need to respect the electoral process:
“As we go to the polls, we must remember to put country over party or ideology. I have faith in our democratic system, and our system of voter registration and vote tabulation.
However, my dedication to respecting our constitutional process -- including judicial determinations of any disputes -- does not come from a pollyannaish, lack of appreciation of some of the undemocratic aspects of our system.
Congressman Sherman voting early at the Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center which is open until 7 PM today and from 7 AM to 8 PM tomorrow
The Supreme Court operates without ethical constraints and reflects a flawed confirmation process where Senator Mitch McConnell refused to allow Merrick Garland even a hearing after he was nominated to serve on the Supreme Court, and as a result, Neil Gorsuch now sits in what should be Garland’s seat.
The Electoral College is fundamentally undemocratic, discriminates against the residents of larger states, and was originally created to give slave-owning states power in selecting our President -- far in excess of the number of persons the slave-owning states would actually allow to vote.
The system of allocating two Senators to every state means that the residents of Wyoming - the least populated state in the United States - have over 60 times the representation in the Senate than California.
As a resident of California, I am aware of the undemocratic aspects of our constitutional system. But anything other than peacefully complying with our constitutional system would mean a disaster.
This year, there will inevitably be challenges to be resolved by our Courts. In 2000, I strongly disagreed with the Supreme Court’s decision on Florida’s recount. But ultimately, we must follow the decisions of our Courts.
I have never voted to reject the Electoral College votes of any state. Not on January 6th, 2021. Not on any one of the six occasions when I have sat in the House of Representatives as the Electoral College votes are certified.
I attended the Presidential Inauguration in 2001 and in 2017. And I will be there for the inauguration of the next president of the United States on January 20th, 2025, no matter who is elected President. Whether I am there as a Member of Congress, or as a former Member depends on the preferences of the voters of California’s 32nd District.”
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