Pence: I Do Not Have ‘Unilateral Authority’ To Determine Which Electoral Votes Are Counted

In defiance of President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence is expressing that he does not have “unilateral authority” to reject Electoral College votes.

Pence penned a letter to 🏛️Congress on Wednesday, the day he is presiding over the joint session of 🏛️Congress where 🏛️Congress will formally ratify the Electoral College vote. Pence’s role is largely ceremonial. The joint session is expected to be met with challenges from several Republicans.

In the letter Pence writes, “It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not.”

He also wrote in the letter:

“Some believe that as Vice President, I should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally. Others believe that electoral votes should never be challenged in a Joint Session of 🏛️Congress. After a careful study of our Constitution, our laws, and our history, I believe neither view is correct.”