The Independent View: Montana Legislator is Looking to Give Popular Vote a Bigger Voice

Missoula, Montana State Representative Ellie Hill recently introduced a bill to give Electoral votes to the National Popular Vote winner.

Hill introduced the bill last week in her 4th session with the Montana Legislature. She said it's a response to overwhelming contact from constituents all over the State, and that it models a bill passed in Maryland that would give Majority vote to Electors.

Rural states have higher representation and for the 5th time in America’s history and the outcome is the way it is because of the Electoral vote versus the Nation's popular vote.

"It really isn't to me about this election, but about the integrity of elections in general. I know all Americans would like to see a fair result and that their vote means the same as another person's vote, regardless of the color of their skin and regardless of where they live. It's really about the future of our country and not necessarily trying to change the past," said Hill.

Hill said she will know if the bill has passed at the next Legislative session next month in Helena.

In two weeks, she will be at the White House in Washington D.C. to discuss the proposal. She will also meet with other State Legislators from all across the Country to talk about Voting Rights.

The Compact is an effort to build momentum to have states award their Electoral College votes based on who wins the National Popular Vote. By signing the Compact, States pledge their Electoral votes to the National Popular Vote winner, but only once enough states have passed identical Legislation to make up a majority of the 538, 270 Electoral College votes.

Currently, 11 states have joined the Compact through State Legislation, making up 165 of the 270 Electoral votes required to win the Presidency.

1. Maryland - 10
2. New Jersey - 14
3. Illinois - 20
4. Hawaii - 4
5. Washington - 12
6. Massachusetts - 11
7. District of Columbia - 3
8. Vermont - 3
9. California - 55
10. Rhode Island - 4
11. New York - 29

The U.S. Constitution allows States to determine on their own how they wish to award their Electoral votes. The Compact is essentially a Provisional Multi-State effort to avoid the arduous process of amending the Constitution.

If Montana passes this bill, it will be one of 12 states that have put the bill into effect. This will give the Compact three more votes, 168 Electoral Votes of the needed 270.