2016 Election Breakdown

Donald Trump has been elected as the 45th president of the United States. Coming ahead of poll predictions and projected results, Trump delivered his acceptance speech in the early hours of Nov. 9.

According to numbers from the Associated Press, Trump won with 279 electoral votes, compared to Hillary’s 228 electoral votes. Oklahoma was included in the states Trump won. In his acceptance speech, Trump relayed that Hillary had contacted him.

“I’ve just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us. It’s about us. On our victory, and I congratulated her and her family on a very, very hard-fought campaign,” he said. “Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country. I mean that very sincerely. Now it is time for America to bind the wounds of division, have to get together.”

Hillary delivered her concession speech in New York City on Wednesday morning. She took the popular vote with 59,648,347 votes, 208,015 votes ahead of Trump.

“I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too. And so do tens of millions of Americans who invested their hopes and dreams in this effort. This is painful, and it will be for a long time. But I want you to remember this,” she said. “Our campaign was never about one person, or even one election. It was about the country we love and building an America that is hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted. We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America, and I always will.”

In Oklahoma, Sen. James Lankford (R) kept his seat in the U.S. Senate. Lankford won against Mike Workman (D) of Tulsa.  

U.S. Representative seats were won by Markwayne Mullin (R), Frank D. Lucas (R), Tom Cole (R), and Steve Russell (R). Republicans maintained a control of Oklahoma’s congress.

Six state questions were on Oklahoma’s ballot Tuesday. SQ 776, enshrining the death penalty in the state constitution, was approved by a 66 percent “yes” vote.

The “Right to Farm” amendment, SQ 777, did not pass, with a 60 percent “no” vote.

The Education Sales Tax Amendment, SQ 779, failed with a 59 percent “no” vote from the people. David Boren, University of Oklahoma president and supporter of the question conceded the loss of the effort Tuesday evening.

“I think it is important for all of us to realize and celebrate tonight that we have started a conversation in Oklahoma all across our state. We’ve made the people of Oklahoma aware of this need,” Boren said. “We cannot secure our future by ignorance, and this campaign has alerted hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans.”

SQ 790, which would have removed the state’s ban on government funds for religious purposes, was also rejected by Oklahoma voters.

State questions 780 and 781 were both approved, passing an amendment to reduce criminal sentences for drug and property crimes, while also funding rehabilitative programs for addiction.

SQ 792 passed with a 66 percent “yes” vote. Next year, Oklahomans will be able to purchase high point beer and wine in grocery stores with the passage of the question. Alex Weintz, spokesperson for the Yes on 792 campaign believed the results “couldn’t have been any better.”

“Oklahomans spoke loud and clear, they want to modernize beer and wine laws. I think voters knew it was going to be great for the economy, good for consumers in terms of better selection, lower prices, more convenience, and everyone here is very excited,” Weintz said. “A lot of the people here are part of the industry, craft brewers, winery owners, so there are a lot of local businesses that are really excited about the outcome today.”

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