Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB144

Introduced

4/3/23

Refer

4/3/23

Refer

7/10/23

Failed

4/15/24

Caption

Entering into an agreement among the states to elect the president of the United States by means of a national popular vote.

Impact

The implementation of SB144 would significantly impact how presidential elections are conducted in Wisconsin. Under the current system, votes are allocated based on electoral votes, which can result in a candidate winning the presidency without securing a majority of the public vote. If this bill is enacted, Wisconsin would participate in a system where all participating states agree to allocate their electors based on the national popular vote, essentially sidelining the traditional Electoral College in favor of a more democratic voting methodology.

Summary

Senate Bill 144 proposes that Wisconsin joins an interstate agreement to elect the president of the United States using the national popular vote. The bill aims to ensure that the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide will be the one elected as president, rather than relying solely on the Electoral College system. This bipartisan effort seeks to enhance voter representation and align presidential election outcomes more closely with the will of the electorate. The proposal is anchored on the belief that a national popular vote would provide a fairer electoral process and acknowledge the choice of voters more directly.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for promoting voter equality, it also faces opposition centered around concerns about undermining the state’s rights and the foundational principles of federalism. Critics argue that it could dilute the influence of less populous states and alter the balance of power that exists within the current electoral framework. There are apprehensions about how states will manage compliance with the interstate agreement, particularly in representing their constituents' interests versus yielding to a national decision.