National Popular Vote Filed for Seventh Year in Florida
Floridians for National Popular Vote welcomes you into a new year with exciting news about what’s happening in Florida and around the country.
First, we are honored to announce Bill #53 submitted by Representative Michael Gottlieb of Davie, Florida. Rep. Gottlieb carries on the tradition of filing the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact for the seventh year in Florida. Our previous sponsor, Joseph Gellar, termed out after many years of exemplary service to the people of Florida.
The Florida Legislative session runs from March 7 to May 5, 2023.
Electoral College Reform Act Passed
At the eleventh hour, the US Congress passed an omnibus spending bill to fund the US government through September 2023. Among the attached bills, the Electoral College Reform Act passed. This bill clarifies the Vice President’s role in certifying the Electoral Count by Congress as strictly ceremonial.
As you may recall in January 2021, there were numerous pleadings for then VP Pence to vote against the certification of President-elect Joe Biden. However, Mr. Pence understood he had no legal standing to make such a call. A riot ensued. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agreed to reform fuzzy language in the original 1887 law.
Remember: the National Popular Vote bill retains the Electoral College as its basis, so we are pleased to see improvements and clarifications around presidential elections.
Independent State Legislature Theory
In early December 2022, the US Supreme Court heard arguments regarding whether state courts could rule on state voting issues or whether the state legislatures have absolute power over those laws. If the Independent State Legislature Theory stands, there would be no checks and balances between the legislative and judicial branches of state government. This ruling will have wide-reaching implications and so we are watching closely for the Supreme Court’s decision.
