This is about the Electoral College and how our President is elected.
|
There is a national movement to do an end run round this archaic institution. Many people do not know that the EC was established in the Constitution, so it would require an amendment to abolish it. However even more people do not know that the allocation of EC votes is determined by each state.
The National Popular Vote movement is working to have states change how they award their votes; California was the most recent, in August 2011. In January 2012 the Department of Justice cleared the National Popular Vote bill under the Voting Rights Act.
The National Popular Vote law has been enacted by states representing 132 electoral votes, almost half of the electoral votes needed to activate it. The bill would take effect only when enacted, in identical form, by states possessing a majority of the electoral votes. Wyoming’s 3 votes would put the bill over the halfway point. In polls in every state, 68% to 83% favored the new law (Wyoming was 69%).
It’s ironic that in the U.S., the standard-bearer for democracy on the planet, our leader is elected using an undemocratic system. I have lived in Wyoming for 40 years, and my presidential vote has never mattered. It would be nice to change that.
Occupy Jackson Hole is encouraging people to contact their state legislators to urge support for the National Popular Vote bill.
–Colleen
Tammy, don’t get depressed! The whole point is that we can do something about it. And, especially in a small state like Wyoming, it is actually doable. Contact all our state reps and senators. JH Underground’s Rise Up page has a nice convenient list of contact info.
Thanks for this succinct explanation of how the E.C. works and its shortcomings, Colleen! It is depressing to know one’s vote doesn’t count. Thank you for your dedication to this cause.