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 using a national popular vote, 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.
Summary
HJR 102 proposes a constitutional amendment that would expand the U.S. Senate by adding twelve at-large Senators elected by a national popular vote. These new Senators would serve six-year terms, be divided among the three Senate classes, and meet the same age and citizenship requirements as existing Senators. The amendment also sets out how vacancies would be filled, how elections would be administered by the states under procedures Congress would establish, and how the first elections would be phased in after ratification.
The resolution also changes presidential elections by creating twelve at-large presidential electors. These electors would be appointed in a manner Congress prescribes and would cast their ballots for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates who received the most votes nationwide. The proposal extends its framework to U.S. territories and the District of Columbia for purposes of the referenced election provisions and gives Congress enforcement authority through appropriate legislation. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it would only take effect if ratified by three-fourths of the states.
Impact
If adopted and ratified, HJR 102 would significantly alter the structure of federal elections and representation by adding national, at-large seats to the Senate and by introducing a national popular vote component to the Electoral College. It would affect Article I and the Twelfth Amendment framework by changing how some Senators and presidential electors are selected, while leaving the existing state-based Senate seats and most state-administered election machinery in place. The proposal would also require Congress to enact implementing legislation governing election procedures, vacancy filling, and the federal entity that would collect and count the tabulations.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee debate or recorded votes, so there is no documented bipartisan or partisan sentiment in the materials provided. Based on the text alone, the resolution appears to be a reform-oriented proposal aimed at making the Senate and presidential election outcomes more nationally representative. Its framing suggests support for expanding democratic representation, but the absence of discussion or votes means the level of support or opposition cannot be measured from the provided context.
Contention
The main points of contention likely concern the constitutional and political implications of adding national at-large Senators and national popular vote electors. Critics would likely question whether the plan dilutes state representation in the Senate, alters the federal balance built into the Constitution, or creates practical complications in administering a nationwide Senate election. Supporters would likely argue that the proposal makes representation more proportional to the national electorate and reduces distortions from state-by-state election outcomes. No specific objections or endorsements are recorded in the provided committee or vote history.