WASHINGTON — Congressman John Curtis, who represents Utah's 3rd District, stated Tuesday he has faith in America's election system and he will vote to certify the Electoral College's results.
President-elect Joe Biden defeated President Trump in the 2020 election with 306 Electoral College votes to Trump's 232. Utah's six Electoral College votes went to Trump. Congress will meet on Wednesday to certify and finalize the results of the election.
"In recognition of my responsibility in this process, I have studied my role and it is clear to me that I have a duty to speak on behalf of the election process in Utah and listen to any objection raised by my fellow lawmakers concerning their state. I have seen no evidence of wrongdoing within Utah and have no plans to object to Utah’s Electoral College certificates. In fact, as I have watched the election process in Utah, I see within it a model for other states across the country," Curtis' statement said.
Curtis said the US Constitution grants Congress the authority to count the Electoral College's votes, and not to debate "the merits of each state’s election laws or the validity of the electors they choose to send."
He said he has opposed attempts by the Democratic party to invalidate election results and he holds the Republican party to the same standard.
"Therefore, I plan to respect each state’s decision, certify the election, and continue to work with my colleagues on solutions for Utahns," Curtis' statement said.
On Monday, Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah's 2nd Congressional District said he will not vote to certify the election results.
Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah's 4th Congressional District also said he will challenge Biden's Electoral College victory.
Read Rep. Curtis' full statement:
“On January 6, Congress will fulfill its Constitutional mandate to certify the Electoral College results and finalize the presidential election. In recognition of my responsibility in this process, I have studied my role and it is clear to me that I have a duty to speak on behalf of the election process in Utah and listen to any objection raised by my fellow lawmakers concerning their state. I have seen no evidence of wrongdoing within Utah and have no plans to object to Utah’s Electoral College certificates. In fact, as I have watched the election process in Utah, I see within it a model for other states across the country.
Federalism is a core principle of our country and an important piece of that is respecting each state’s election procedures and outcomes. The Constitution grants Congress the specific authority to count electoral votes, not debate the merits of each state’s election laws or the validity of the electors they choose to send—to do so would be to federalize the election process, taking fundamental rights away from states. I have consistently opposed when Democrats have made such attempts and I will not use one standard for my party and a different one for the other. Therefore, I plan to respect each state’s decision, certify the election, and continue to work with my colleagues on solutions for Utahns.
As I have said many times before: I have faith in America’s election system and those who work tirelessly to ensure our elections are secure. That’s not to say there isn’t work to do. Americans deserve an election process that leaves no question of integrity and I am committed to supporting our state leaders and working with my colleagues to ensure election security, without further federalizing our elections.”
