A push from Republicans to change the way Nebraska awards its electoral college votes is being met with resistance from several lawmakers in the state who are opposing the change ahead of the presidential election in November.
District 5 Sen. Mike McDonnell released a statement Monday saying Nebraska allocates electoral college votes in a way that gives all Nebraskans an equal voice in choosing a president, and he would not support going to a winner-take-all system ahead of the November general election.
“In recent weeks, a conversation around whether to change how we allocate our electoral college votes has returned to the forefront,” he wrote. “I respect the desire of some of my colleagues to have this discussion, and I have taken time to listen carefully to Nebraskans and national leaders on both sides of the issue. After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change.
“I have notified Governor Pillen that I will not change my long-held position and will oppose any attempted changes to our electoral college system before the 2024 election. I also encouraged him and will encourage my colleagues in the Unicameral to pass a constitutional amendment during next year’s session, so that the people of Nebraska can once and for all decide this issue the way it should be decided – on the ballot.”
Electoral votes in Nebraska are allocated by congressional district.
On Tuesday, Gov. Jim Pillen issued a statement expressing disappointment that a 33-vote majority from senators was unlikely ahead of the general election.
“Unfortunately, we could not persuade 33 state senators,” he wrote. “Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha has confirmed he is unwilling to vote for winner-take-all before the 2024 election. That is profoundly disappointing to me and the many others who have worked so earnestly to ensure all Nebraskans’ votes are sought after equally this election. Based on the lack of 33 votes, I have no plans to call a special session on this issue prior to the 2024 election. I am grateful to the many Nebraskans who made their voices heard during this process.”
Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, released a statement after McDonnell announced his final opposition to changing Nebraska’s split electoral vote system before the 2024 election, saying she wants to protect the interests of Nebraska voters.
“Nebraska has a long and proud tradition of independence, and our electoral system reflects that by ensuring that the outcome of our elections truly represents the will of the people without interference,” her statement said. “Sen. McDonnell is standing strong against tremendous pressure from out-of-state interests to protect Nebraskans’ voice in our democracy. In this election and those to come, Nebraskans will continue to lead the way by electing leaders at every level who stand up for the people and respect our spirit of independence.”