Connecticut House Bill HB05421

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/18
• Refer: 3/5/18
• Report Pass: 3/23/18
• Refer: 4/5/18
• Report Pass: 4/11/18
• Engrossed: 4/26/18
• Report Pass: 4/30/18
• Chaptered: 5/9/18
• Enrolled: 5/10/18
• Passed: 5/24/18

Caption

An Act Adopting The Interstate Compact To Elect The President Of The United States By National Popular Vote.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly modify how presidential elections are conducted in the participating states, shifting the election process towards a popular vote rather than the traditional electoral college system. This could lead to increased voter engagement and a stronger influence of individual votes in presidential elections, potentially altering campaign strategies and candidate focus on national issues rather than localized concerns. The bill includes provisions for the prompt certification of votes and the communication of election results among member states.

Summary

House Bill 5421 is an act adopting the Interstate Compact to elect the President of the United States by national popular vote. The bill proposes that member states will conduct statewide popular elections to determine the national popular vote winner, who will be appointed as the president by the electoral votes of the member states. This creates a framework where the electoral college system could be bypassed if enough states agree to join the compact, effectively unifying how presidential elections are decided across participating states.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 5421 is mixed, with proponents advocating for it as a modern mechanism to ensure that every vote counts equally in presidential elections. Supporters argue that this system reflects the democratic principles of equal representation and fairness. Conversely, critics warn that it undermines the established electoral college framework and could lead to regional disparities in campaigning, where candidates may focus predominantly on populous areas, neglecting the concerns of less populous states.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the debate over the alteration of a long-standing election process, which some fear could lead to unintended consequences in the governance of presidential elections. Furthermore, there are concerns about the legal and logistical challenges involved in coordinating the compact, particularly with states potentially withdrawing from it or not fully implementing its provisions. The discussion around HB 5421 represents a significant shift in electoral policy that aligns with movements calling for electoral reform and greater popular influence in political processes.