How the Mid-term Elections Could Decide the Future of the Electoral College

Wednesday, October 28

Jack Nagel Professor Emeritus of Political Science, UPenn

Since 2006, an ingenious plan to reform the Electoral College without a Constitutional amendment has made slow but steady progress. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact invites state legislatures to pass identical bills awarding their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote, rather than to the winner in their own state. The legislation takes effect after jurisdictions that control a majority in the Electoral College–270 votes–have passed the bill. So far, 18 states plus the District of Columbia have joined the Compact. Together they control 222 electoral votes. Only 48 more are needed to reach a majority.

This talk will explain how midterm election results in five states–including Pennsylvania–could help transform the Electoral College into a system that always chooses the winner of the national popular vote.

12 pm Bring your lunch – dessert and drinks will be provided
12:30-1:30 Program