— The 15 members of the North Carolina Electoral College met Monday to confirm Donald Trump as the Tar Heel State's choice to be the 45th president of the United States.

"It’s our duty to carry the vote of the citizens of North Carolina," said Mark Delk, president of the state's Electoral College.

The outcome was no surprise, despite the efforts of those in opposition to sway some electors to change their vote. North Carolina's electors are all representatives of the party that wins the popular vote – in this case Republicans – and they are bound by law to vote for their party's candidate. An elector who varies can face a fine of up to $500.

At statehouses across the country, including in Raleigh, protestors greeted electors. About 100 people marched around the State Capitol chanting, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, GOP has got to go."

"We just want this country to be led in a direction that’s safe and equal and fair for everybody," said Aryn Banks. "I just don’t think that will happen under a Donald Trump leadership."

Elector Lee Green said she received thousands of emails and hundreds of letters from people trying to sway her vote.

"I feel like they’ve closed their minds off a little bit," she said. "I just wish they’d give President Trump a chance. If he does something wrong, I’ll be right out there with them protesting with them!"

Electors responded to the pressure Monday with a march of their own, from the North Carolina Museum of History to the State Capitol, carrying a sign that read, "Thank you President Elect Donald J. Trump" and singing "God Bless America."

Delk said, "I’m certainly glad they have the right to express their opinion. Unfortunately, it’s a little bit late for that."

Elector Donald Webb submitted Trump's name into consideration. His motion was quickly seconded by Charles Staley. "Our country needs new leadership and direction," Staley said.

The vote was unanimous: 15 votes in favor of Trump and his running mate, Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

As they signed their ballots, the electors were serenaded by the choir from Raleigh's Broughton High School.