A “faithless” elector in Texas said that he won’t for President-elect Donald Trump when the Electoral College convenes to complete its process later in December.
“The election is not over—the election happens on December 19th when presidential electors cast their ballots. That’s when the election is complete,” Chris Suprun, the Texas elector, told CNN on Wednesday.
Following his move, a number of people called on Suprun to step down. A petition was created via Change.org to remove Suprun, with nearly 20,000 signatures.
“Chris Suprun has stated on Twitter that he refuses to cast his electoral ballot in a [manner] as those in his precinct have requested, we also ask that he be removed as a GOP member and/or delegate,” the petition reads.
Last week, Suprun, a paramedic from Texas who was a firefighter during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times explaining that he won’t vote for Trump. Instead, he'll vote for Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
“The election of the next president is not yet a done deal. Electors of conscience can still do the right thing for the good of the country,” he argued.
Throughout the campaign, Suprun indicated that he supports the “Never Trump” movement on his Twitter page.
Kasich, apparently responding to Suprun’s editorial and a small group of electors who are seeking to vote for him, asked members of the Electoral College not to cast their ballots for him.
“I am not a candidate for president and ask that electors not vote for me when they gather later this month. Our country had an election and Donald Trump won.” Kasich said on Twitter.
“The country is divided and there are certainly raw emotions on both sides stemming from the election. But this approach, as well meaning as it is, will only serve to further divide our nation, when unity is what we need.”
“The election is over,” the Republican former presidential candidate added. “Now is the time for all of us to come together as Americans.”
A small group of Democratic electors have also signaled that they would vote for Kasich.
The 538 Electoral College members are slated to meet Dec. 19.
