Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00009

Introduced
1/4/17  
Introduced
1/4/17  
Refer
1/4/17  
Refer
3/13/17  

Caption

An Act Entering Connecticut Into The National Popular Vote Compact.

Impact

If enacted, SB00009 would effectively change how Connecticut's electoral votes are allocated during presidential elections. By committing to a national popular vote framework, the law aims to modify existing electoral practices that critics argue disproportionately favor less populous states. This agreement would only go into effect when enough states sign on to collectively hold a majority of electoral votes (at least 270). The adoption of this agreement reflects a broader movement towards reforming electoral processes to enhance electoral fairness and voter engagement.

Summary

SB00009 proposes to enter Connecticut into the National Popular Vote Compact, a legislative agreement designed to ensure that the electoral votes of participating states reflect the outcome of the national popular vote in presidential elections. This bill aims to align the state's selection of presidential electors with the candidate who receives the most aggregate votes across member states, rather than just the votes within Connecticut itself. Supporters believe this will better represent the democratic will of voters nationwide, circumventing the disparities caused by the winner-takes-all electoral-vote allocation method currently used by many states.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment towards SB00009 is mixed. Proponents see it as a vital step towards democratic reform and fairer representation at the national level, asserting that it aligns with the core democratic principle that every vote should count equally. However, critics express concern about the implications of diminishing the state-level focus of elections, claiming it could marginalize local issues and the representation of state-specific interests. This bill rekindles longstanding debates about the electoral college's relevance and the pursuit of greater electoral justice in the United States.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00009 include debates about whether shifting to a national popular vote undermines the federalist structure that allows states to determine their own electoral processes. Opponents worry this might set a precedent that could destabilize state authority in electoral matters. Furthermore, the practicality of coordinating election results and the potential challenges posed by variations in state laws and practices add layers of complexity to the debate, placing proponents and critics at odds over both the philosophy and the execution of such changes to the electoral system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00001

An Act Concerning The Health And Safety Of Connecticut Residents.

CT SB00007

An Act Concerning Connecticut Paid Sick Days.

CT SB00002

An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence.

CT SB00107

An Act Updating Requirements For Construction Management Oversight At The University Of Connecticut, Pausing The Requirement For A Plan To Increase The Number Of Full-time Faculty At Public Institutions Of Higher Education And Replacing References To The President Of The Connecticut State Colleges And Universities With The Chancellor Of The Connecticut State Colleges And Universities.

CT SB00201

An Act Concerning Unfair Real Estate Listing Agreements And The Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.

CT SB00136

An Act Making Changes To The Connecticut Retirement Security Program Statutes.

CT HB05001

An Act Supporting Connecticut Seniors And The Improvement Of Nursing And Home-based Care.

CT SB00501

An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Assessments For Property Taxation, Innovation Banks, The Interest On Certain Tax Underpayments, The Assessment On Insurers, School Building Projects, The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Charter And Certain State Historic Preservation Officer Procedures.

CT HB05453

An Act Concerning The Membership And Processes Of The Connecticut Siting Council.

CT HJ00173

Resolution Commemorating The Twenty-fifth Anniversary Of The Connecticut-taiwan Sister-state Relationship.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1338

Interstate agreement; national popular vote

AZ HB2806

Interstate agreement; national popular vote.

AZ SB1545

National popular vote; interstate agreement

MI HB4156

Elections: other; agreement among the states to elect the President by national popular vote; enter into. Creates new act.

MI SB0126

Elections: other; agreement among the states to elect the President by national popular vote; enter into. Creates new act.

WV HB2122

Implementing The Agreement Among the States to Elect the President and Vice President by National Popular Vote

SC H3870

The agreement among states to elect the president by national popular vote

AZ HB2194

National popular vote; interstate agreement