Opponents of the Electoral College often imply that America’s presidential election process is undemocratic and out of step with the world. But is it? The 2010 Winter Olympic Games featured athletes from 82 countries. I decided to investigate, using that list, which goes from Albania to Uzbekistan and includes all of the largest nations. How... »
The “Inter-government” Threat to Federalism
The “separation of powers” is one of the hallmarks of American government. It works horizontally and vertically: governmental power is separated into different branches (legislative,... »
Wisconsin NPV debate roundup
Last week AB 751’s express trip from introduction on February 15 to a hearing on February 17 caused a stir in the Wisconsin papers and... »
Talking Electoral College versus NPV on Crosstalk
A big thanks to host Jim Schneider and the crew at Crosstalk radio for today’s discussion of the Electoral College versus National Popular Vote. It... »
NPV bill loses cosponsors
Last week was a lousy one for California-based National Popular Vote. After hiring six lobbyists and spending $80,000 lobbying in Madison, Wisconsin, they got Assembly... »
Alaska considers popular vote
On Friday, Alaska’s Senate Judiciary Committee heard the state’s National Popular Vote bill (SB 92). The measure actually already passed the State Affairs Committee with... »
NPV’s Frivolous Polling
As I walked through the Wisconsin State Capitol last week talking with legislators and legislative staff, I saw the effects of citizens in action. Throughout... »
National Popular Vote versus Wisconsin
Mid-morning on Tuesday, two emails alerted me that Wisconsin’s NPV bill (AB 751) had suddenly been introduced and scheduled for a hearing before the Assembly... »
NPV Fails in Augusta
Maine’s National Popular Vote bill (LD 56) was brought to the House floor and solidly defeated on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. The vote was 95... »
Two great legislators in Harrisburg
Today I had the pleasure of talking with two great legislators in Pennsylvania’s state capitol. The Commonwealth Foundation had suggested I speak with Senator Mike... »
National Popular Vote and the Constitution
“Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and... »
Videos that explain the Electoral College
There are some great videos out there that help explain the workings of the Electoral College. Here is the School House Rock version from YouTube. This... »
Will Vermont make itself irrelevant with NPV?
Few states stand to lose more under National Popular Vote than Vermont. As both a low population and low population density state, Vermont is the... »
One morning in Maine
It was my pleasure to spend my morning in Augusta at Maine’s State Capitol complex. I not only met a great bi-partisan group of state... »
Saving Maine from NPV
Even my short stay in the Newark Airport was a reminder how different parts of America can be … well, different. New Jersey is distinct... »
Hitting the road
Last year, in addition to our educational activities in Washington State, Save Our States visited Nevada and was assisted allies in Oregon and Colorado as... »
Co-opting our states
Freedom, the American Founders believed, is best preserved by a separation of powers. The division of government power among different branches and different levels was... »
