Connecticut House Bill HB06213

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/13
• Refer: 1/28/13

Caption

An Act Concerning An Agreement Among The States To Elect The President Of The United States By National Popular Vote.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6213 would alter the current framework of presidential elections by amending state laws to mandate participation in this interstate agreement. States that adopt this bill would have to prepare procedures for tabulating and reporting votes in a way that aligns with the national popular vote total. The bill will only take effect once states holding a majority of the electoral votes join the agreement, thereby intending to create a significant change in how electoral processes are conducted across the United States.

Summary

House Bill 6213 aims to reform the way the President of the United States is elected by entering into an agreement among states to elect the President by a national popular vote, rather than through the traditional electoral college system. The bill proposes that each member state will conduct a state-wide popular election for electing the President and Vice President, and the candidate receiving the majority of the popular votes will be designated as the national popular vote winner. This shift is proposed to ensure that the election outcome reflects the will of the people more directly.

Contention

The legislation invites contention around various issues, including concerns about the implications of sidelining the electoral college, which some see as a vital element in protecting the interests of smaller states and ensuring geographic representation. Critics argue that abolishing the electoral college could lead to populous states overshadowing less populous ones in influencing national elections. Furthermore, logistical issues regarding the management of a nationwide popular vote, the standardization of election procedures across different states, and potential challenges linked to vote counting and certification are also points of debate.