Liberal Burblings

In many ways this is quite an extraordinary development. When you consider how the states of the US have fought over the years to keep their independence within the union, it is remarkable that Massachusetts has passed this law, following Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington.

The law will mean that the state’s electoral votes would be assigned to the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote – regardless of whom Massachusetts voters preferred. So, a situation such as Al Gore in 2000 (when he had about a million more votes cast in his favour than George Bush, but still lost) would be averted if – and it’s a big “if” – enough states pass similar laws. The law in Massachusetts will only take effect if states holding at least 270 total electoral votes – the number required for winning the presidency – adopt similar laws.

Still, it is a refreshing step forward for democracy in the US – so well done to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington. You never know, there might be a “red state” following suit sooner or later!