In a bold legislative move, lawmakers recently introduced a bold resolution aimed at reshaping the American electoral system.

On Dec. 12, Senate Democrats unveiled S.J. Res. 121, proposing a national popular vote to replace the current Electoral College system, as the Daily Caller reports.

The proposal, spearheaded by Sens. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Dick Durbin of Illinois, and Peter Welch of Vermont, was motivated by a desire to modernize the U.S. electoral process.

They argue that the Electoral College, a vestige of the 18th century, no longer serves the democratic interests of modern America.

Senators Criticize Electoral College As Undemocratic

Schatz expressed his view forcefully, stating, "In an election, the person who gets the most votes should win. It’s that simple."

He added, "The Electoral College is outdated and it’s undemocratic. It’s time to end it.”

His sentiment reflects a growing frustration among Democrats who believe the system disproportionately favors certain demographic and geographic groups.

Durbin added to the critique by highlighting what he says is the unjust effect of the mechanism, noting, "The Electoral College is an 18th-century invention that disenfranchises millions of Americans.”

These statements underscore a fundamental disagreement about the fairness of the electoral system.

Impact of Electoral College on National Elections

The Electoral College has been a contentious issue, particularly highlighted by the elections where the popular vote did not determine the winner.

This includes the recent 2024 election, where Donald Trump secured the presidency despite Vice President Kamala Harris winning fewer votes by a margin of approximately 2.3 million.

This disparity has reignited debates over the relevance and fairness of the Electoral College, with proponents arguing that it protects smaller states’ interests and prevents majoritarian rule.

Public Support for Electoral Reform Grows

The push for reform gained additional momentum from public figures outside Congress. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate in the 2024 election, publicly supported the abolition of the Electoral College.

At a fundraiser in California in October, he declared, "The Electoral College needs to go," aligning his stance with that of many reform advocates.

Such public declarations are pivotal in shaping public opinion and increasing awareness of the issues surrounding the Electoral College.

They also highlight the national conversation about ensuring that every vote counts equally in presidential elections.

Debate Over Electoral College’s Future Intensifies

The debate over the Electoral College is not just about partisan politics; it also involves deeper philosophical questions about the nature of American democracy and the best way to achieve a representative electoral system.

As the debate continues, both sides present compelling arguments about the value and drawbacks of the current system.

While the resolution to abolish the Electoral College faces significant hurdles, including the need for a Constitutional amendment that requires a supermajority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states, the conversation it sparks is vital for the future of American electoral politics.