Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the Senate is made more representative by adding twelve Senators to be elected nationwide through ranked choice voting, and providing for twelve Electors at-large for President and Vice President, who shall cast their ballots for the respective winners of the national popular vote.
Impact
If enacted, HJR23 would fundamentally alter the electoral landscape by creating a more democratic approach to Senate representation and presidential elections. By adding these Senators at-large, the bill seeks to ensure that a broader demographic of the population has influence in federal legislative processes, particularly if they feel underrepresented by their state delegations. The ranked choice voting system may also encourage more diverse candidates and promote broader voter engagement.
Summary
HJR23 proposes a significant amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at enhancing representation in the Senate by introducing twelve additional Senators to be elected nationwide. This amendment requires that Senators at-large be selected utilizing a ranked choice voting system, which allows voters to rank candidates by preference. The proposal also includes the appointment of twelve Electors at-large for presidential elections, who will cast their votes according to the outcomes of the national popular vote.
Contention
Notably, the proposal has sparked discussions regarding the balance of power between federal and state representation. Critics of HJR23 may argue that this amendment could dilute the influence of individual states in the Senate, fundamentally changing the structure of federal governance that was designed to protect states' rights. Additionally, there could be concerns over the practical implications of implementing a nationwide ranked choice voting system, particularly regarding uniformity in election procedures across various states.