On May 30, the California Assembly passed AB 2948, by a vote of 42-25. AB 2948 is the bill being introduced around the U.S., in various state legislatures, that sets up an interstate compact. The compact would only go into effect after states containing a majority of electoral votes had joined. After that, states in the compact would appoint presidential electors pledged to the winner of the national popular vote. The authority for a state to do that is in Article II, sec. 1, which says, “Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors”.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
Say goodbye to the American Republic, and hello to the American Empire.
I question “After that, states in the compact would appoint presidential electors pledged to the winner of the national popular vote.”
I thought that a state in the compact would appoint presidential electors in proportion to the states popular vote.
Another possibility would be to have a election in each congressional district in the state. The two “senate” electors would be go with the majority of votes in that state.
I don’t think the states have the right to modify their electoral votes based on votes in other states. Which is what you say in the above paragraph.
Aren’t we arlready an Empire? Just look at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. for confirmation.
Brad,
we are the world’s first ‘democratic Empire’.
If we can have democratic republics, why can’t we have a democratic Empire?
I disagree with all of you. I think this is a, althouth not the most, fair way of declaring the winner in Presidential Elections. I have no particular problem with it.
No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
Gerard, I recommend reading the NPV book, “Every Vote Equal.” Specifically, read chapters 5 and 8. They have thought through the constitutional issues pretty carefully. Congress’ consent is typically only required if the nature of the compact is such that it would increase the power of the states relative to the federal government.