New Mexico's Senate on Monday approved Legislation adding New Mexico to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact aimed at guaranteeing the President, in future Elections, would be Elected by the National Popular Vote.
The Measure, Senate Bill 42, passed the Chamber on a Party-line 26-16 vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed, and now moves on to the House.
“By doing our part to move toward a national popular vote, we can begin the process of regaining the voters’ trust in our elections and ensure their voices are equal to every voter across the country,” said Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, the Bill’s sponsor.
However, several Republican critics of the Legislation accused Democrats of pushing the change in response to President Trump’s victory.
“Just because we didn’t get our way means we pout and change the entire system,” complained Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell.
Trump defeated Clinton in the Electoral College despite receiving nearly 2.9 million fewer votes Nationwide. Clinton carried New Mexico and won all five of the State’s Electoral votes, despite not holding any public campaign rallies here. Trump made two campaign stops in Albuquerque.
A National Popular Vote system would take effect if enacted by enough States to form a majority of the Electoral College, 270 Votes. Under such a scenario, a Constitutional Amendment would not be needed to make the change, as the Electoral College would not be abolished.
The Senate’s vote on Monday made it the first Chamber in the Nation to pass such legislation this year, according to a National group promoting a popular vote system.
However, 10 States have already enacted similar bills in previous years, that equals 165 Electoral College votes.
Jurisdictions enacting Law to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact:
Maryland - 10 (EV) - April 10, 2007
New Jersey - 14 (EV) - January 13, 2008
Illinois - 20 (EV) - April 7, 2008
Hawaii - 4 (EV) - May 1, 2008
Washington - 12 (EV) - April 28, 2009
Massachusetts 11 (EV) - August 4, 2010
District of Columbia - 3 (EV) - December 7, 2010
Vermont - 3 (EV) - April 22, 2011
California - 5 (EV) - August 8, 2011
Rhode Island - 4 (EV) - July 12, 2013
New York - 29 (EV) - April 15, 2014
Total - 165 (61.1% of the 270 EV needed)
Current 2017 State Bills Waiting a Legislature Vote:
Arizona - 11 (EV) - HB 2277
Connecticut - 7 (EV) - HB 5205, HB5434, HB5435, HB5736, SB9
Florida - 29 (EV) - HB0311, SB242
Georgia - 16 (EV) - SB64
Idaho - 4 (EV) - H0059
Indiana - 11 (EV) - SB372
Kansas - 6 (EV) - HB 2024
Maine - 4 (EV) - LD 156
Minnesota - 10 (EV) - HF42, HF44, SF10, SF16
Missouri - 10 (EV) - HB 497, HB 635
New Hampshire - 4 (EV) - HB447
New Mexico - 5 (EV) - SB 42, SB 54, SB 102
Ohio - 18 (EV) - HB25
Oregon - 7 (EV) - HB2731
Pennsylvania - 20 (EV) - HB189
South Carolina - 9 (EV) - H 3173
Texas - 38 (EV) - HB 496
Virginia - 13 (EV) - HB 1482
Total = 222 (EV)
Opponents of the Popular-Vote system argue that it would allow urban areas to decide Elections and fear that it would undermine the importance of States in the Election process.
“Basically, we would be giving our sovereign power … away to other states,” Pirtle said during Monday’s debate.
Stewart said she’s been working on the issue for years. She also sponsored similar Legislation in 2009, while she was a Member of the House. That bill ultimately died in the Senate.
Stewart also said the current Electoral College gives oversized impact, and attention, to key Battleground States.
“Essentially, 38 states are left out when it comes to presidential elections,” Stewart said.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
No comments:
Post a Comment