Lawmakers in Nebraska plan to address a bill next week that would revert the state to a 'winner-takes-all' system for awarding presidential electoral votes.
The Speaker of the Legislature, John Arch, declared the initial round of debates to be underway. LB 3 will start at 1:30 PM on Tuesday afternoon.
Subscribe to our NewslettersArch stated that the proposal would be discussed for four hours instead of the usual eight hours, after which they will check if it garners the necessary 33 votes to surpass a probable filibuster and move forward.
"I think most members have decided how they plan to vote on this bill," Arch stated.
"I don’t think an eight-hour debate serves any purpose for anyone involved in the discussion," Arch stated.
The Nebraska Republican Party and Governor Jim Pillen have backed winner-take-all as a proposed measure.
More than ever before, it’s crucial for our state to present a united front through our votes,” Pillen stated during his State of the State Address on January 15th.
"It's now time to address this," Pillen stated.
State Senator Loren Lippincott presentedLB 3.
The bill will have Nebraska follow 48 other states and scrape its current system of splitting it five electoral votes and award one to the presidential candidate who wins each of the state’s three congressional districts.
"The principle of 'winner takes all' is crucial because we have a U.S. Senate and an Electoral College, which ensure that concentrations of power do not become confined to densely populated regions," Lippincott stated.
Lippincott mentioned that this initiative ensures representation reaches rural areas and states.
The 16 Democrats and one independent within the formally non-partisan organization have pledged to combat and safeguard the Second Congressional District’s status as a blue stronghold.
"Individuals desire to confirm that every voice is acknowledged during the electoral process, and they appreciate the divided voter ballots," stated Senator Ashlei Spivey.
The decision might ultimately depend on two Republican senators.
State Senator Dave Wordekemper approved LB 3 within the Legislature's Government and Military Affairs Committee, yet stated publicly that he wouldn’t support the legislation once it reached the floor.
"I realize we operate differently from the rest of the nation, but I believe that's what makes Nebraska distinctive," Wordekemper stated.
On Thursday, Wordekemper stated that those remarks have remained unchanged.
Senator Merv Riepe stated that he has been explicit about his plans.
"I intend to cast a no-vote on cloture. The feedback I've received from constituents suggests this isn’t primarily about Democrats versus Republicans; instead, it’s more of an individual case. People appreciate how distinct Omaha is," Riepe stated.
Nevertheless, Lippincott maintains that he thinks the voting outcome will be tight.
"We remain optimistic. We're perpetually optimistic," Lippincott stated.
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READ THE FULL STORY: Lawmakers in Nebraska will look at a proposal to alter the state's electoral college system.
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