National Popular Vote system bill enters Pa. House
Harrisburg, Pa. — Five times in U.S. history, the winner of the electoral college received fewer total votes than their opponents during presidential elections. The National Popular Vote movement was launched as pushback against these events and seeks to enforce the "one person, one vote" principle of American democracy.
On April 9, Rep. Chris Rabb was joined by Rep. Heather Boyd to reintroduce a bill that, if passed, would move Pennsylvania to a popular vote system. If accepted, this would make Pennsylvania the 18th state to join the movement, which also includes the District of Columbia.
'Every voter of every party should have an equal voice in presidential elections,' said Rep. Rabb, of Philadelphia, the bill's author. 'This is the fundamental principle that our democracy builds on — that every vote counts equally. Not that some votes count more than others. It is time for Pa. to join other states in ensuring that every vote counts equally.'
If enacted, HB 270 would add Pa. to the coalition of states in agreement that the winner of the most individual votes should become the U.S. president. The system would only take effect if states with 270 electoral votes have joined. Currently, the National Popular Vote coalition represents 209 electoral votes, and Pennsylvania could add an additional 19.
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