Nebraska lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would switch the state to a winner-take-all system for presidential elections, leaving Maine as the only state to award Electoral College votes by congressional district. Last year, a similar effort in Nebraska gained traction with support from President Donald Trump but ultimately ran out of steam. If Nebraska makes the switch, Democrats in Maine may feel compelled to act, according to former House Majority Leader Mo Terry. However, Maine legislators on both sides of the aisle have not yet endorsed such a change.
Nebraska’s move could have an impact on Maine, even though state lawmakers have not shown a preference for changing the current system. The Maine Democratic Party has not taken an official position on the issue, focusing instead on whether the U.S. Constitution should be amended to allow for a national popular vote. Governor Janet Mills allowed a proposal to become law last spring, placing Maine in an interstate compact seeking to elect presidents based on a national popular vote.
Nebraska’s decision may also affect Maine’s unique electoral system, which awards votes by congressional district. Nebraska and Maine are the only two states with this system. Even though Trump and national conservatives have pushed for changes to the system, Trump still won the Electoral College count over Kamala Harris last year. The next steps in Nebraska’s legislative process could impact how Maine awards Electoral College votes in the future.
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