Official legislative records from individual state legislatures

Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Abolish Electoral College, Judiciary Committee Claims It Will Restore Democracy

Dec 16, 2024, 09:19 PM

A group of Senate Democrats has introduced a bill aimed at abolishing the Electoral College, proposing that presidential elections be determined solely by popular vote. The Judiciary Committee announced the legislation, which is seen by proponents as a move to restore democracy. Senator Dick Durbin, who has previously advocated for this change since the 2000 election, emphasized the need for a system where the candidate receiving the most votes wins. The introduction of this bill comes in the context of ongoing debates about the Electoral College's role, particularly after instances where candidates have won the presidency without winning the popular vote. Critics of the proposal argue that it undermines the constitutional framework of the United States, which was designed as a republic, and could lead to the disenfranchisement of voters in less populous states. The bill's introduction has reignited discussions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the current electoral system.