Makes Louisiana a party to an interstate compact entitled the "Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote". (8/1/12)
If enacted, SB705 will significantly change how Louisiana allocates its electoral votes during presidential elections. The compact stipulates that electors are to be assigned based on the national popular vote total, meaning that even if a candidate wins the majority in Louisiana, they may not receive all of the state's electoral votes if another candidate wins more votes overall in member states. This shift could diminish the traditional weight of Louisiana's votes in the electoral college and increase the state's participation in a larger cooperative voting framework among the states involved in the compact.
Senate Bill 705 proposes to enter Louisiana into an interstate compact known as the 'Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote.' The bill outlines that member states will conduct statewide popular elections for president and vice president. The candidate receiving the majority of the popular votes across member states will be designated as the national popular vote winner, thereby changing the overall system by which presidential electors are appointed. This compact aims to ensure that the presidency is decided by the national popular vote rather than the current electoral college system.
The sentiment surrounding SB705 appears mixed. Supporters view the bill as a progressive step towards a more democratic representation of the electorate's choice for president, highlighting the disparities that can arise from the electoral college. On the other hand, critics express concerns over the potential loss of local voting influence and raise questions about the constitutionality and practical implementation of such an interstate agreement. The debate reflects a broader national conversation regarding electoral reform and the balance of power between state and federal electoral systems.
Key points of contention regarding SB705 involve the implications of reducing the importance of state-by-state electoral outcomes in favor of a nationwide popular vote. Some legislators are apprehensive about how this could affect campaigns and their strategies in smaller states like Louisiana, potentially leading to less attention being paid to their voters. Others also worry about the compact's efficacy, particularly the logistics of ensuring that the agreement is upheld if some states choose to withdraw or if the electoral college is abolished. The bill necessitates careful consideration and debate on its potential constitutional challenges, states' rights, and the integrity of the electoral process.