Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00432

Introduced
1/23/13  
Introduced
1/23/13  
Refer
1/23/13  
Report Pass
3/15/13  
Refer
3/28/13  
Report Pass
4/4/13  

Caption

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

Impact

The passage of SB00432 would represent a significant shift in how presidential elections are conducted in the United States, particularly in states that choose to join the agreement. It would circumvent the electoral college system, which has been a cornerstone of American democracy since its inception. This could potentially lead to a more direct form of democracy, where the popular vote holds greater significance. However, it also raises questions about the implications for state autonomy and the traditional roles of the electoral college as established by the Constitution.

Summary

SB00432 is an act that proposes an agreement among the states to elect the President of the United States based on a national popular vote rather than the traditional electoral college system. The act aims to create a framework in which member states conduct statewide popular elections for the presidency and apportion their electoral votes based on the outcome of these popular votes. It emphasizes the need for transparency in vote counting and establishes procedures for certifying the vote totals, ensuring that the candidate with the most votes nationally is recognized as the winner.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00432 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill promotes fairness and ensures that every vote carries equal weight in the presidential selection process, thereby fostering a more representative democracy. Critics, however, express concerns about the risks of sidelining state sovereignty and the potential consequences of a purely popular vote system, such as the predominance of populous states in determining the presidency, which could diminish the influence of smaller states in national elections.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding SB00432 include debates over the potential weakening of the electoral college and the implications for local governance. Opponents highlight the constitutional challenges and the fear of a diminutive voice for certain states and regions without the electoral college’s protections. Supporters counter that the current system can result in situations where the preferred candidate of the majority does not win, citing examples from past elections. Both sides recognize the need for a thoughtful and potentially transformative discourse on democratic representation in America.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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