Electoral College set to affirm Obama re-election

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Tradition is trumping suspense as members of the Electoral College cast the final, official votes in an exhausting presidential election.

It's a constitutional formality on President Barack Obama's march to a second term.

The rite playing in state capitols involved party luminaries and tireless activists carrying out the will of their state's voters. The popular vote from state-to-state dictates whether Democratic and Republican electors get the honor. But the outcome is not in doubt.

Obama is on course to get 332 votes to Romney's 206, barring defectors.

In New Hampshire, electors supporting Obama signed their four ballots and sealed the envelopes with wax that has been in the secretary of state's office for more than 70 years.

The ballots head to Washington, where Congress will count them on Jan. 6.