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Judge rejects Washington electors attempt to avoid fine

Democratic presidential elector Bret Chiafalo speaks outside the U.S. Courthouse before a hearing, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, in Seattle. Chiafalo and Levi Guerra, two Democratic presidential electors from Washington, want to see Donald Trump denied the presidency and are asking a federal judge to ensure they don't get fined for ignoring the results of the popular vote. State law provides for a $1,000 fine for electors who break their pledge. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) Democratic presidential elector Bret Chiafalo speaks outside the U.S. Courthouse before a hearing, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, in Seattle. Chiafalo and Levi Guerra, two Democratic presidential electors from Washington, want to see Donald Trump denied the presidency and are asking a federal judge to ensure they don't get fined for ignoring the results of the popular vote. State law provides for a $1,000 fine for electors who break their pledge. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

By Associated Press December 14, 2016 1 min read

SEATTLE (AP) – A federal judge has rejected an effort by two Democratic presidential electors from Washington state who sought to immediately ensure they won’t get fined if they ignore the results of the popular vote in a longshot bid to deny Donald Trump the presidency.

Bret Chiafalo and Levi Guerra took a voluntary pledge to vote for their party’s nominee – Hillary Clinton – if she won Washington, which she did.

But they say they might join with other so-called “Hamilton electors” from both parties to choose some other candidate when the Electoral College meets next Monday, saying Trump is unfit for office.

Washington law says electors who break their pledge can be fined up to $1,000.

A lawyer for Chiafalo and Guerra sought an emergency order to block any potential fine.