A marathon presidential campaign that began in Iowa nearly three years ago has formally ended with seven presidential electors casting their ballots for Barack Obama.

The electoral college voters on Monday marked the final step in a state that played an important role in this year's campaign, handing Obama a surprising win in the leadoff precinct caucuses.  Iowa Governor Chet Culver convened the meeting of electors, one for each of the state's five congressmen and two senators. All the electors are Democratic activists who signed a formal document declaring their official support for Obama.
 
Although its largely ceremonial, the electoral procedure is mandated by the Constitution.