Observer-Dispatch
State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo announced he will introduce legislation to change the way the state awards its Electoral College votes in a statement Wednesday.
Griffo’s legislation would change New York from a winner-take-all system to allocating Electoral College votes by congressional district, similar to Nebraska and Maine. The statewide winner will receive two electoral votes from at-large electors.
The New York State Electoral College Reform Act also would include a faithful elector clause, requiring electors to vote with the voters in the congressional district they represent.
Many New Yorkers, especially those in upstate, are frustrated by the state’s current approach and feel their vote doesn’t carry as much weight as those in other states, Griffo said.
Griffo will be unveiling the New York State Electoral College Reform Act.
The bill would allocate the state’s Electoral College votes proportionally by congressional districts, similar to what’s done in Nebraska and Maine.
New York currently assign its votes on a winner-take-all basis.
Griffo says it would ensure that presidential candidates no longer take the residents of the state for granted during a general election.
“Unfortunately, New York is either ignored or taken for granted as the candidates instead fight over the few winner-take-all battleground states that historically have decided who is elected president,”
Sen. Griffo said. “This legislation will make New York a relevant and potential battleground state due to its Electoral College numbers and will empower all New Yorkers by making their vote for president more significant.”