Briefing: Electoral College End-Run
The Massachusetts House of Representatives wants the state to join a growing effort to obliterate the electoral map as we know it. The House voted to join a compact of states that would agree to throw their support behind whichever presidential candidate won the national popular vote, effectively eliminating the electoral college system.
How would the compact work?
The change would go into effect only if it’s passed by states representing a majority of electoral votes. Those states would then vote as a block for whoever won the popular vote nationwide.
Is it constitutional?
Opponents say the compact would defeat the intent of the U.S. Constitution. Supporters say states have the right to decide how to apportion their electoral college votes, even if that means giving them to the winner of the national vote.
How would a switch to a popular vote system change presidential campaigns?
The electoral college gives states a vote for each senator and representative, which means small states are represented disproportionately since each state has two senators no matter its size. So the change would give voters in larger states more leverage.
It would also make the concept of “swing states” irrelevant since it would no longer matter how the majority of voters in any individual state cast their ballots.
For example, in Massachusetts, one of the nation’s bluest states, Republicans’ votes would count toward the national popular vote total rather than being overwhelmed by the Democratic majority.
Where does the proposal stand now?
Nationally, the compact is a long way from going into effect. It’s been passed in Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland and Washington.
That adds up to 61 electoral votes, far from the 271 that constitutes a majority. In Massachusetts, the proposal is now waiting on the state Senate. It previously passed the House and Senate in 2008 but died when the session expired without final action from the legislature.
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