Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s recently signed bill has sparked widespread conversation on the future of the Electoral College.
At a Glance
- Governor Walz signed House File 1830 into law on May 24, 2023.
- House File 1830 includes key voting reforms and aligns Minnesota with the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
- H.F. 1830 introduces 18 days of in-person early voting, bans mass voter challenges, and ensures that employee voting rights are protected.
- Minnesota is now the 17th jurisdiction to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
Minnesota Backs National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
On May 24, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed House File 1830 into law. This newly signed omnibus bill includes several significant pro-voting election reforms and marks Minnesota’s entry into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The bill aims to enhance the democratic process by ensuring that the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote secures the presidency.
House File 1830 was passed with final votes of 34-31 in the Minnesota Senate and 69-62 in the House. These reforms include establishing 18 days of in-person early voting and new limitations on voter challenges by setting evidence requirements and banning mass challenges. The bill also expands employees’ rights to take time off work to vote during the early voting period.
Specific Provisions of House File 1830
House File 1830 offers practical solutions to several longstanding election issues. In addition to joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, the bill ensures that students can use a valid photo ID from a Minnesota postsecondary institution to prove residency for voting. Furthermore, it adds new penalties for the intimidation of election officials or interference with election administration.
Mary Hartnett, executive director of Clean Elections Minnesota, emphasized the significance of this movement toward electoral equality, stating that the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact will ensure every vote is equal, promoting national campaigning instead of focusing only on swing states.
Earlier this year, another reform saw Governor Walz sign a separate bill that restored voting rights to 56,000 Minnesotans with past felony convictions. This push for inclusivity and equity in voting rights underlines the broader aims of House File 1830.
Implications of Joining the Compact
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact’s primary objective is to ensure that every vote in presidential elections holds equal weight, irrespective of the state. With Minnesota now joining, a total of 17 jurisdictions have pledged their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner. This brings the total to 205 electoral votes, with 65 more needed for the Compact to become effective.
The Compact has ambitions to eliminate the red/blue state map, creating a new landscape where presidential candidates must engage in national campaigning. This change aims to offer a more balanced and inclusive approach to presidential elections.
Governor Walz’s signing of House File 1830 into law highlights a shift towards rethinking the Electoral College. Those in favor argue for a more representative and democratic election process.
Nonetheless, this bill and the Compact it supports are subjects of considerable debate. There are concerns about their constitutional viability and potential impacts on the cherished balance of state and federal powers.
Governor Walz’s decision signifies a broader movement towards electoral reform, aiming to address and rectify concerns about the current system’s fairness and representativeness.
Sources
1. Minnesota Legislature Passes Pro-Voting Reforms in Funding Bill
