On the January 6th episode of Priority Talk with Host Greg Davis, Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Will Sellers joined the show and delved into an important discussion on American election history, a pertinent topic for that date.
Sellers, a self-proclaimed history enthusiast, began by reflecting on the importance of January 6th beyond what happened four years ago. Describing our early American history, he shared how Congress created our current electoral system so that the responsibility of counting votes and ratifying the election would be simplified and streamlined. January 6th was chosen as the date when electoral votes are counted and the election is confirmed. Will Sellers used language from the Christian liturgical calendar, describing January 6th as almost an “epiphany” for the American people to learn who would rule the nation. While we take it for granted that we generally know who the President will be before January 6th, there was a time in our nation when this was not the case.
They then moved to discuss the rare situation Vice President Kamala Harris found herself in, having to certify an election in which she ran unsuccessfully against President Donald Trump. Although rare, this is not unheard of. One could point to then-Vice President Richard Nixon undergoing the same experience against President John Kennedy, along with a few other examples.
Justice Sellers also described the creation of the Electoral College, which the founding fathers intended to combat both the threat of a potential monarchical system and also the potential tyranny of the majority––or, the tyranny of largely-populated states––running the country. Their solution? Every state’s total electoral votes will include both the number of their Representatives (reflecting the population size of the state) and the number (2) of their Senators (reflecting the fact that all states are equal). Also, the District of Columbia’s electoral votes are included, as well.
During the discussion, Davis and Sellers also briefly mentioned the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, focusing on his dedication to public service and his post-presidential humanitarian work. President Carter cared for the poor and was active in his church, among many other positive attributes. These priorities reflected his faith, and those stances ought to be commended even if political and religious conservatives will not agree on some of the other positions that he held or actions that he took.
Greg Davis and Will Sellers also covered a few details of Carter’s presidency, Sellers’ thoughts on the importance of the role of the Alabama Supreme Court, and more. To listen to the entire wide-ranging conversation, click here.