FairVote believes that elections must be based on the principles of equality, competitive choice and accountability. Our Presidential Election Reform program focuses on two strategies necessary to accomplish these goals: the National Popular Plan for general elections and the American Plan for presidential primaries.

The National Popular Vote (NPV) plan is a state strategy based on the fact that the U.S. Constitution establishes that states must set rules for allocating electors that best reflect the interests of their state and the nation. Given the perverse impact of the current 51-state system that results in candidates ignoring at least two-thirds of states (both large and small), that interest is best met through a national vote where every vote is equally powerful no matter where it is cast. Under the proposal states would join a binding agreement to give their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner once the number of participating states guarantees that candidate’s election.

As of May 2006, NPV legislation has passed two legislative chambers and been introduced in six states – all since going public in February. We need your help to ensure a grassroots movement is ready too support NPV legislation in all 50 states.

The American Plan would establish a schedule for presidential primaries and caucuses to: encourage grassroots campaigning;; provide gaps between voting days; and involve most, if not all, states in meaningful contests. The American Plan has won the support of the California Democrats and Young Democrats of America, and strong interest among Republicans.

This forum seeks to encourage strategic networking to strengthen reform efforts. It is moderated by FairVote in order to prevent spam. We are a national non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Maryland.