Alaska Senate Bill SB61

Alaska 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 4/19/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 5/3/23
• Refer: 5/3/23

Caption

Us President Elect. Popular Vote Compact

Impact

If enacted, SB61 will lead to significant changes in how presidential electors are appointed. Under the new provisions, electors will no longer be chosen based solely on the popular vote of their respective states but will be representative of the nationwide popular vote. This change could reshape electoral strategies, with candidates needing to focus on securing votes across multiple states rather than just in battleground regions. The bill also includes mechanisms for resolving ties and mandates transparency in vote counts and communications between states, potentially increasing public trust in the electoral process.

Summary

Senate Bill 61 aims to establish an interstate compact for utilizing national popular vote as the method for electing the President and Vice-President of the United States. This proposal seeks to amend existing state laws regarding the selection of presidential electors and enhance the role of popular vote in the electoral process, potentially countering the current electoral college system. The bill emphasizes conducting statewide popular elections in member states and establishing a process for counting and certifying votes, enabling a more democratic candidate selection aligned with the nationwide sentiment.

Contention

Despite its potential to democratize the electoral process, SB61 faces contention from various political factions. Supporters argue that the bill will create a fairer system, reflecting the collective voice of voters nationally, while the opposition raises concerns about undermining state rights and the traditional electoral college framework. Critics fear that the shift to a national popular vote could diminish the influence of smaller states and exacerbate campaign complexities, as candidates may prioritize populous areas over rural regions. These discussions highlight the longstanding debate over electoral reform in the United States.