Michigan Legislature considers plan to enact national popular vote

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - A proposal aimed at changing how votes are counted for the presidential election is receiving bipartisan support in Michigan.

A plan to enact the National Popular Vote was introduced in the Michigan Legislature on Wednesday. The plan would not get rid of the Electoral College. Under the plan, Michigan’s 15 Electoral College votes would be awarded to the candidate who wins the most votes statewide.

Fifteen other states have already joined this pact. The bill’s sponsor said this would make presidential elections fairer.

According to Rep. Carrie Rheingans, (D) Ann Arbor,

“The will of Michigan voters is the same as the will of the whole country. We want our votes to count. We want everybody’s vote to count,” said Rep. Carrie Rheingans, Ann Arbor. “Every single voter across the U.S. wants their vote to count. We want to make sure each of the states gets campaigned to.”

Former Republican leaders have also announced their support for the proposal, including former state GOP Chairwoman Laura Cox. However, it will not take effect until states commit enough electoral votes to the pact.

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