To the editor:
Do you wonder why legislation supported by a majority of citizens doesn’t become law? Recent examples of proposed legislation that was supported by a majority of citizens but did not pass, include the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act (69% public support), and Dream Act (72% of likely voters supported). A February 2023 survey found that 53% of all registered U.S. voters strongly supported banning assault-style weapons. Yet here we are.
History provides some clues — as states’ populations have grown unevenly, the power of each person’s vote in the more populated states has weakened. For example, the population of California is 68 times the population of Wyoming, yet each has two Senators. Since all 50 states have two Senators, the voters of the least populated states have disproportionate power. Those states tend to be rural, white, and to favor Republicans. Until the most recent election, for decades, Republicans have maintained majority control of the Senate even when they represent a minority of Americans.
The Electoral College was established when the population of the country was much smaller, but as the country has grown, it no longer represents the population fairly. A National Popular Vote could ensure that each voter’s ballot is weighted equally. The National Popular Vote Compact is an agreement among states to guarantee their electoral votes go to the candidate who receives the most votes regardless of party affiliation. Several states are already on board - I urge you to Investigate “National Popular Vote.”
Janis Rygwelski Northport
