R015-1213

10 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING 20 THE MODIFICATION OF CODE ELECTION LAW ARTICLE, SEC. 8-505 SECTION C WINNER-TAKE-ALL

30 WHEREAS: The repealing of this act would ensure greater representation for all residents of the state of 40 Maryland including those residing in both urban and rural areas; and, 50 WHEREAS: The current winner-take-all system roots its history in the corrupt bargain of 1824 and is 60 therefore outdated and need of revision if the disenchanted are to have renewed faith in democracy; and,

70 WHEREAS: In 2008 only 68.3% voter turnout for Maryland was reported and the main reason cited was that 80 voters felt that individual votes did not matter; and,

90 WHEREAS: Since 1978 there have been three instances when the Electoral College representatives did not vote 100 according to the values of her people, the popular vote dictate, due to the flawed winner-take-all system; and

110 WHEREAS: The winner-take-all system also creates apostatism between the minds of those wishing to make 120 bipartisan effort concerning current hot-button issues; and,

130 WHEREAS: Exists a prominent and alarming under-representation concerning unaffiliated voters; and,

140 WHEREAS: Exists a more than subtle voting trend created in 1992 that leads to popular feelings of under150 representation in certain population areas; and, 160 WHEREAS: This would force candidates to take Maryland as a whole more seriously and force the state onto 170 the campaign trail improving Maryland economy.

180 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Maryland Student Legislature urges the Maryland State 190 Legislature to correct Maryland An. Code 1957, art. 33, 8-505; 2002, ch. 291, 2, 4. Section C to no longer 200 state Voting by electors.- After taking the oath prescribed by Article I, 9 of the Maryland Constitution before 210 the Clerk of the Court of Appeals or, in the Clerk's absence, before one of the Clerk's deputies, the presidential 220 electors shall cast their votes for the candidates for President and Vice President who received a plurality of the 230 votes cast in the State of Maryland

240 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That Maryland An. Code 1957, art. 33, 8-505; 2002, ch. 291, 2, 4. 250 Section C state in preference, Voting by electors.- After taking the oath prescribed by Article I, 9 of the 260 Maryland Constitution before the Clerk of the Court of Appeals or, in the Clerk's absence, before one of the 270 Clerk's deputies, the presidential electors shall cast their votes for the candidates for President and Vice 280 President who received a plurality of the votes cast in the district they represent.

R015-1213
290 MANDATES: David R. Brinkley, Senator

300
310

Andrew P. Harris, M.D., U.S. Representative Richard F. Colburn, Senator Maryland Senate George C. Edwards, Maryland Senate LeRoy E. Myers, JR., State Delegate Rudolf C. Cane, State Delegate

320 330 340

SPONSOR: Frances Harrison, MSL delegation, FCC