Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action

In Memorium

The Rev. Dr. Krister Stendahl

an important voice for justice, interfaith dialogue and peace

Popular National Vote for Presidency

Legislation that would allow Massachusetts to enter an Interstate compact on national popular vote is pending. Under this legislation, states would agree that their electoral votes would be cast for the winner of the national popular vote. The impact of this legislation would increase the need for candidates to campaign in all states, since the vote of all states would matter (unlike the present system where only a few states are actually in play. It would also lessen the disproportional weight of the smaller states in the current system. For many years, civil rights groups have been concerned about changes in the electoral college. It had been thought that large cities in the North with large minority populations were important in determining the outcome of significant states. There was also the fear that a Constitutional Convention could open up the opportunities for reckless changes in the Bill of Rights. However, minority groups are less likely today to see advantages of the electoral system since population patterns are different today. And the Interstate Compact proposal does not depend on a national constitutional convention.

Action Requested:

JALSA urges calls to the legislature to support H678 and calls to friends in other states where this proposal is pending. For further information, call Common Cause 617-426-9600. ccma@commoncause.org