Nebraska authorities are advocating for a modification in the method of allocating Electoral College votes within the state. Advocates, predominantly conservatives like former President Donald Trump, are endorsing this adjustment. However, detractors, such as the former campaign manager of ex-President Barack Obama, are expressing concerns regarding the proposed alteration.
Jim Messina, who managed Obama’s campaign in 2012, voiced opposition to Nebraska Republicans who allegedly exert influence on the state’s nonpartisan, single-chamber legislature. The Republican Party, backed by Trump and Republican Governor Jim Pillen, is advocating for the state to allocate all Electoral College votes to the candidate who wins the majority in the state. Presently, Nebraska and Maine stand as the sole states employing a system where one electoral vote is awarded to the victor in each county. In the 2020 election, Trump secured four of Nebraska’s electoral votes, while President Joe Biden earned one.
Republicans proposed legislation to alter this practice. Detractors argue that this maneuver is aimed at aiding Trump in winning the election. Messina made an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” denouncing the idea of changing the regulations just 200 days before the election as absurd. He further accused the contemporary Republican Party of attempting to amend the rules during an ongoing election to serve their own interests.
Messina debunked the notion that a single electoral vote wouldn’t make a difference. He clarified that historically, the simplest route to victory has consistently included Nebraska and three other Midwestern states.
In total, there are 538 Electoral College votes. Even if everything remains unchanged from the 2020 election, but Trump successfully regains Georgia, Arizona, and secures Nevada, Biden would still prevail with 270 votes compared to Trump’s 268. However, if Nebraska were to suddenly alter its rules, it would result in a tie with Biden receiving 269 votes and Trump 269, evenly splitting the vote. In such a scenario, the decision would fall to the House of Representatives to determine the outcome.
Nebraska currently has a bill proposing rule changes, but signs suggest it may not advance this year. Similar efforts were made in the past, notably in 2016, when a comparable bill narrowly failed by just one vote.
