Current:Home > ScamsMaine is the latest to join an interstate compact to elect the president by popular vote-LoTradeCoin
Maine is the latest to join an interstate compact to elect the president by popular vote
View Date:2024-12-23 21:06:17
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine will become the latest to join a multistate effort to elect the president by popular vote with the Democratic governor’s announcement Monday that she’s letting the proposal become law without her signature.
Under the proposed compact, each state would allocate all its electoral votes to whoever wins the national popular vote for president, regardless of how individual states voted in an election.
Gov. Janet Mills said she understands that there are different facets to the debate. Opponents point out that the role of small states like Maine could be diminished if the electoral college ends, while proponents point out that two of the last four presidents have been elected through the electoral college system despite losing the national popular vote.
Without a ranked voting system, Mills said she believes “the person who wins the most votes should become the president. To do otherwise seemingly runs counter to the democratic foundations of our country.”
“Still, recognizing that there is merit to both sides of the argument, and recognizing that this measure has been the subject of public discussion several times before in Maine, I would like this important nationwide debate to continue and so I will allow this bill to become law without my signature,” the governor said in a statement.
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is on hold for now — and won’t play a role in the upcoming November election.
The compact would take effect only if supporters secure pledges of states with at least 270 electoral votes. Sixteen states and Washington, D.C. have joined the compact and Maine’s addition would bring the total to 209, the governor said. Other hurdles include questions of whether congressional approval is necessary to implement the compact.
In Maine, one of only two states to split their electoral votes under the current system, the debate in the Maine Legislature fell along partisan lines with Republican united in opposition.
Maine awards two of its four electoral votes to the statewide presidential winner along with one apiece for the winner of each congressional district. In 2016, the state split its electoral votes for the first time when Republican Donald Trump won a single electoral vote in the northern, conservative 2nd Congressional District. Trump collected an electoral vote again in his failed presidential bid in 2020.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Bodyless head washes ashore on a South Florida beach
- Tens of thousands lack power in New England following powerful thunderstorms
- The Rolling Stones set to release first new album of original music in nearly 20 years: New music, new era
- Terrorism suspect who escaped from London prison is captured while riding a bike
- Monument erected in Tulsa for victims of 1921 Race Massacre
- How to watch NFL RedZone: Stream providers, start time, cost, host, more
- NATO member Romania finds new drone fragments on its territory from war in neighboring Ukraine
- Hundreds of Pride activists march in Serbia despite hate messages sent by far-right officials
- Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
- Egypt’s annual inflation hits a new record, reaching 39.7% in August
Ranking
- 'The Penguin' spoilers! Colin Farrell spills on that 'dark' finale episode
- Powerful ethnic militia in Myanmar repatriates 1,200 Chinese suspected of involvement in cybercrime
- NATO member Romania finds new drone fragments on its territory from war in neighboring Ukraine
- Derek Jeter returns, Yankees honor 1998 team at Old-Timers' Day
- Indiana in the top five of the College Football Playoff rankings? You've got to be kidding
- UN report on Ecuador links crime with poverty, faults government for not ending bonded labor
- California lawmakers vote to limit when local election officials can count ballots by hand
- Children in remote Alaska aim for carnival prizes, show off their winnings and launch fireworks
Recommendation
-
These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch
-
The Golden Bachelor: Everything You Need to Know
-
NFL Notebook: How will partnership between Russell Wilson and Sean Payton work in Denver?
-
G20 agreement reflects sharp differences over Ukraine and the rising clout of the Global South
-
Gerry Faust, former Notre Dame football coach, dies at 89
-
Residents and authorities in Somalia say airstrike caused several casualties including children
-
Opinion: High schoolers can do what AI can't
-
Live Updates: Morocco struggles after rare, powerful earthquake kills and injures scores of people