More states consider working around the Electoral College

[TexasTowelie]

HARTFORD, Conn. — Frustrated after seeing another candidate secure the presidency without winning the national popular vote, mostly Democratic lawmakers in several capitols want their states to join a 10-year-old movement to work around the Electoral College.

In states including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Mexico, legislators have said they plan to introduce legislation that would require their state's Electoral College voters cast ballots for the presidential candidate who earns the most votes nationwide, regardless of the statewide results.

"Every vote in this country should have equal weight. The Electoral College is a relic of a bygone era, and we need to change this system," said Connecticut state Sen. Mae Flexer, who filed a bill with several fellow Democrats requiring Connecticut to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

Since 2006, 11 states have signed onto the compact, which require their Electoral College voters to cast ballots for the national popular vote winner. In theory it would take effect once it involves states representing at least 270 electoral votes, the threshold to win the presidency.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/more-states-consider-working-around-the-electoral-college/408065496/

[SledDriver]

1. It's a start...

[dubyadiprecession]

2. This will cause trump to oppose states rights.

Otherwise, how will he get elected to a second term?

[Takket]

3. this is DOA in any of the states with GOP control, BUT

if we could get this as a referendum/ballot initiative in some swing states like Penn, WI, FL and MI, we could make a difference.

i'd be willing to bet residents in those states would go for this, even if Trump did win them by razor thin margins.

[Axolotls]

4. But will it withstand and override

The state legislatures plenary power to appoint electors? Because if not, even if it passes, they will award their electoral votes to the winner of the state, if the gop happens to control both houses. And even if they don't, if their state is won by a sizable or huge margin, they would fear the political fallout from not voting the way their constituents did.

[NobodyHere]

6. The republican controlled Arizona House passed this bill.

[Uggwearingdad]

7. Died in the Senate..

[Cha]

5. K&R!

[kudzu22]

8. One possible complication to such a scheme

is if a recount is requested. Then they would have to recount every vote in the entire country. What if Mississippi declares they had 75 billion votes for Trump? Are all of these states going to say, "oh well, Trump got the most votes so he gets our electors?" I don't think Michigan officials can demand a recount in Mississippi.