Peaceful protest and witnessing history

My first morning of winter break was spent exercising my right to assemble. 

The Electoral College met today to cast votes for the president. Across the country, demonstrators gathered at state houses to protest Trump's election. In Oregon, our seven delegates were pledged to Clinton. Still, we met to make our voices heard: We are united in opposition to Trump and all he stands for.

We arrived on the Capitol steps about 9 a.m. We stood in solidarity for more than an hour, the crowd growing steadily throughout.

 Lots of media:

We chanted and sang and heard from several speakers. It was awesome.

By the end, several hundred joined. 

About 10:15 a.m., Mom and I went inside the Capitol and snagged seats in the front row of the Senate Gallery to watch the proceedings. 

 Standing room only:

Waiting for the 11 a.m. vote: 

Here come the electors: 

Swearing in: 

Actually voting: 

Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins read the results: seven votes for Clinton and seven votes for Kaine: 

During the roll call, Elector Frank Dixon, Oregon Democratic Party Chair, made a statement calling for investigation in to Russian involvement in our election. The gallery erupted in cheers.

Of course, Mom was live streaming:

After, the electors gathered for photos and media interviews: 

I am so honored to be part of this historical event!