Pollina Statement on Douglas’ Latest Democracy Veto
Friday May 16, 2008 Press Statement:
“Democracy strikes out today with the third veto from my opponent. First he vetoed campaign finance reform which would have limited big money in elections. Then IRV which would have increased participation and now national popular vote, changing our election for president into a one person, one vote system. It’s disappointing that the current governor stands in the way of strengthening our democracy.
S.270 would have put Vermont into an agreement with other states to create a popular vote for President. 75% of Vermonters want this change but Douglas stands in the way.
This is another example where Vermont could be a national leader, but the current governor gets in the way.
Douglas should explain why the candidate who earns the most votes shouldn’t win an election. Why shouldn’t we have a one-person, one-vote system for president?
The electoral college is out-dated and no longer serves any purpose. Vermont was lucky to get a bit of attention before the March primary. Maybe Douglas prefers to keep national republicans away during the general election, knowing they don’t poll well in Vermont.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2008
CONTACT: Meg Brook - 802-343-2604
May 19th, 2008 at 11:23 am
It is encouraging that in less than two years, the National Popular Vote bill has been signed into law in Maryland, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Illinois—states possessing 19% of the electoral votes necessary to bring this law into effect (50 of 270). The bill has passed one-sixth of the legislative chambers in the U.S.—one house in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, and Washington, and both houses in California, Hawaii, Vermont, Illinois, New Jersey, and Maryland. The bill is currently endorsed by 1005 state legislators—440 sponsors (in 47 states) and an additional 565 legislators who have cast recorded votes in favor of the bill.
To be involved in the National Popular Vote bill effort . . .
You can sign up to get email updates - http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/pages/getemailupdates.php
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You can help get the word out and show your support.
Distribute literature at political, civic, or other meeting, convention, or conference.
Post on discussion groups.
Write letters to editors, OpEds, and/or blog.
Up-to-date information and materials are at http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/pages/explanation.php