88R11424 TBO-D
By: Rogers H.C.R. No. 41
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, When drafting the Constitution in 1787, the framers
wisely established an electoral voting system that has benefited
the citizens of the United States for generations; and
WHEREAS, The Electoral College is a process that allows
Americans to vote for electors, who in turn vote for the United
States president and vice president; each state appoints a number
of electors equal to the total number of the state's members of
Congress, and the states are able to determine their own methods for
choosing electors; in 48 states and Washington, D.C., all electors
are selected according to the popular vote, and in Maine and
Nebraska, electors are assigned using a proportional system; to win
the presidency, a candidate must receive the vote of at least 270
electors, otherwise the decision is made by the House of
Representatives; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with the principles of federalism and the
values of our constitutional republic, the Electoral College
ensures that all states are fairly represented in presidential
elections; smaller, less-populated states have an equitable impact
on the decision, and candidates are incentivized to address the
needs of all voters rather than focusing only on residents of large
cities and other urban centers; and
WHEREAS, The Electoral College contributes to the legitimacy
of election outcomes by requiring a higher margin of victory than a
popular vote system; it also makes elections more stable and less
likely to trigger nationwide recounts, and it discourages voter
fraud by reducing the impact of fraudulent votes; in addition, the
electoral system limits the number of viable presidential
candidates, preventing presidential elections with small
pluralities; and
WHEREAS, The Electoral College is a fair and balanced system
that retains majority rule while protecting smaller states from the
tyranny of the majority, and it has proven to be a vital component
of our democracy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby express support for the Electoral College.