Thank you for contacting me regarding the 2020 Presidential Election. It is good to hear from you and I appreciate the opportunity to engage with you.

The U.S. presidential election was held on November 3, 2020. With historic turnout across the board, it is clear that the American people were fully engaged in this election. The strong turnout for both candidates and both parties is a healthy sign for our democracy. Along with more than 71 million Americans, and a majority of Ohio voters, I voted for President Trump.

In this close election, President Trump had every right to insist that all legally cast ballots are counted. He also has the right to appropriate recounts and the right to go to court to resolve any questions about irregularities. Allowing a fair and transparent process is important to providing Americans more assurances of the integrity of the election and helping the country heal after a contentious campaign. That has now happened, and although there were instances of fraud and irregularities, it has not been shown to be widespread enough to change the result of the election.

In accordance with the Constitution and federal law, the Electoral College cast their votes for President on December 14, 2020. I think we need to respect this process the Founding Fathers established, and we must respect the will of the voters. States must take seriously the proven examples of fraud and irregularities, prosecute anyone who engaged in it, and review voting systems to maintain the integrity of our elections.

The orderly transfer of power is a hallmark of our democracy, and although I supported President Trump, the Electoral College vote makes clear that Joe Biden is now President-Elect.

The presidential election was contentious and hard fought. Roughly half of America was bound to be disappointed with the outcome. My hope is that all of us, as Americans, regardless of who we supported in the campaign, will be willing to accept the result because a thorough process was followed and the final vote count was clear.

I also want to commend and congratulate Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, the county boards of elections, and the more than 50,000 Ohio poll workers for conducting a safe, secure, and transparent election in Ohio. It was not easy in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and I am grateful for their efforts.

Our country faces serious challenges, from the public health and economic crises brought on by COVID-19, to an epidemic of drug addiction, to our growing national security threats. To solve these problems, we need to come together and rise above the dysfunction in Washington. I know if we work together, we can deliver results and make a real difference in the lives of Ohioans and all Americans.

Thank you again for contacting me. It is an honor to represent you and the great state of Ohio in the United States Senate. Please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.portman.senate.gov/" www.portman.senate.gov for more information.

Sincerely,

Rob Portman U.S. Senator