- Legislative Bill 3 also known as 'winner-take-all' has passed committee.
- The bill will be debated in the Nebraska Unicameral legislature.
- If approved, Nebraska would allocate all electoral votes to a statewide candidate instead of by district.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
An effort to eliminate the Blue Dot, Legislative Bill 3 or “winner-take-all,” was passed by the Government, Military, and Veteran Affairs Committee. Now, it will be up for debate in the Unicameral.
Watch Hannah's story:
If passed, the bill would change how Nebraska casts electoral college votes during presidential elections. Instead of giving votes by districts, all electoral college votes would go to a single statewide candidate.
Central Omaha neighbor, Linda Jensen, attended the bill’s hearing in January, she says she's shocked the bill advanced.
"We walked out that day and said with as much opposition to it as there was. And the opposition coming from both sides it's like done deal we thought we had it. How could they not listen to that much of Nebraska," said Jensen.
Governor Jim Pillen is in favor of the change and said in a statement:
“Winner-Take-All – which would restore unity to Nebraska’s allocation of electoral college votes and strengthen our voice in presidential elections – just passed out of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and will receive floor consideration by the full Legislature. This is great news for Nebraska and I’m grateful to Chair Rita Sanders and the great senators who voted to advance WTA for their leadership.”
Blue Dot signs are still up in yards, this time they’re a statement opposing the bill. Jason Brown, who painted the first Blue Dot sign and his wife Ruth believe the issue should be non-partisan, and urge senators to think about the state's future.
"We're less partisan and I think that can be from a subjective point of view on just how we kind of get along with our neighbors and we're less likely to, to, brand people as good and bad or wicked or whatever just because of where they vote," J. Brown.
Senator Loren Lippencott, who introduced the bill told KMTV he’s grateful it passed the committee.
The debate has not been put on the calendar yet, Speaker John Arch will announce his priority bills on March 17th.
KMTV contacted all of the mayoral candidates about their stance on winner-take-all all.
Jasmine Harris:
"It is disheartening to see that some state senators believe that the best use of our tax payers' money is to take orders from national politicians and focus on changing how we handle our electoral votes. We must ensure that our Nebraskan values are upheld and do not bend at the whims of others. Even though there are political ideals from all sides in Omaha, it is the center of the Blue Dot and stands to lose a lot if this law passes. I hope our senators do what's right and protect democracy in our state.
Mike McDonnell:
"Since 2016 I've consistently supported the current method of awarding electoral votes because it forces the campaigns to come to Omaha and make their case, spend their money and earn our votes. I also support the right of Nebraskans to vote on this issue and think voters should have the final say on Winner Take All."
John Ewing:
"I believe that a winner-take-all system diminishes the voice of the electorate. States should consider adopting a model similar to Nebraska's, where electoral votes are allocated based on district results. This approach ensures that the Electoral College accurately reflects the diverse preferences within a state, rather than being skewed by the statewide popular vote. Allowing each district to cast its own electoral vote fosters better representation for all citizens."
We are still waiting to hear back from incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert.
