The vote of the Electoral College is typically a pro forma affair, devoid of any suspense, controversy or excitement.

In New York, despite intense interest in the national vote, this year was no exception.

The state’s 29 electors cast their ballots in Albany this afternoon during an event that was kept intentionally brief, one of several precautions against coronavirus. The vote was also moved from state Senate chambers to the more spacious Assembly chambers, to allow for better social distancing, and electors were tested for COVID-19 prior to the event.

As expected, all 29 voted for Joe Biden for president and Kamala Harris for vice president. There were few remarks other than those made by Governor Cuomo, who presided over the vote. One by one, the electors came forward to deposit their paper ballots in a pair of boxes, one for each office

Afterwards, State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie had the honors of announcing the tally: “I am proud to announce that 29 votes have been cast for the honorable Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. of Delaware for President of the United States,” he said, drawing a round of applause.

Among the electors were Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton, who got a standing ovation when recognized by Cuomo.

“It felt great,” Hillary Clinton said as she left the Capitol building. “I’m really looking forward to the Biden-Harris administration. It’s going to be great for the country.”

She added, “It’s absolutely monumental. We’re going to have a president and vice president who are going to work for all the people and make a real difference for everybody.”

Many of the city’s and state’s top elected officials served as electors, including state Attorney General Letitia James, city Comptroller Scott Stringer and New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

Despite President Trump’s attempts to subvert the electoral process, there were no surprises expected during Monday’s Electoral College votes across the country. Biden was expected to finish with 306 electoral votes, well above the 270 needed to secure victory.

The national results will be tallied at a joint meeting of Congress on January 6.