Electoral Vote Splitting: The Case of Maine and Nebraska
In the United States, presidential elections are typically decided by the candidate who wins the most electoral votes. However, two states, Maine and Nebraska, have a unique system known as the “congressional district method” for allocating their electoral votes.
How the Congressional District Method Works
Under the congressional district method, each state’s electoral votes are divided into two groups: two votes for the statewide winner and one vote for the winner of each congressional district. This means that a candidate can potentially win some electoral votes even if they lose the statewide popular vote.
Maine’s History with Split Electoral Votes
Maine has a long history of splitting its electoral votes. The state first adopted the congressional district method in 1820, but switched to the winner-take-all system in 1828. In 1969, Maine returned to the split-vote method, primarily due to concerns that a candidate could win the state’s electoral votes with only a small percentage of the popular vote.
Nebraska’s Split Electoral Vote System
Nebraska adopted the congressional district method in 1992, hoping to attract presidential candidates to a state that was typically ignored due to its conservative leanings. The system has been controversial, with Republicans repeatedly attempting to overturn it in favor of a winner-take-all approach.
The Role of Ernie Chambers
Ernie Chambers, a state senator from Nebraska, has been a staunch defender of the split electoral vote system. In 2016, he played a key role in defeating a bill that would have eliminated the system.
The Potential Impact of Split Electoral Votes in 2020
In the 2020 presidential election, Maine and Nebraska’s electoral votes could potentially play a decisive role. With the race expected to be close, even a single electoral vote from a split state could tip the balance in favor of one candidate.
Notable Electoral Vote Splits in Maine and Nebraska
Prior to 2020, Maine and Nebraska had only split their electoral votes once. In 2008, Barack Obama won Nebraska’s Second Congressional District, earning the Democrats their first electoral vote in the state since 1964. In 2016, Donald Trump won Maine’s Second Congressional District, giving the Republicans their first electoral vote in the state since 1988.
The Significance of Split Electoral Votes
Split electoral votes can have a significant impact on presidential elections, especially in close races. The congressional district method allows for the possibility of a candidate winning the presidency even if they lose the popular vote, as was the case with George W. Bush in 2000.