Nebraska legislators are currently under pressure to alter the state’s electoral voting system for the upcoming presidential election. The proposed change would shift from Nebraska’s unique model, which includes a proportional allocation of electoral votes, to a winner-take-all system favored by former President Donald Trump.
Governor Jim Pillen convened a lunch meeting with conservative lawmakers on Wednesday at the governor’s mansion, where Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina advocated for the proposed change. Graham’s advocacy follows statements made by both Pillen and Trump earlier this year, targeting the state’s electoral system that has allowed Democrats to secure electoral votes in the past.
Nebraska, alongside Maine, awards electoral votes by a hybrid model. Two of its five electoral votes go to the overall winner statewide, while the remaining three are allocated to the winners of each congressional district. This system has made Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Omaha, a focal point in presidential elections, with historical wins for both Trump and Biden in various elections.
Conservative efforts to transition to a winner-take-all model have gained traction since a right-wing media figure raised concerns in April about the potential implications of the current system for Trump’s candidacy in the upcoming election.
During his visit, Graham emphasized the significance of the election outcome, especially given the close race expected between Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Local lawmakers, including State Sen. Loren Lippincott, characterized the meeting as a vital update on the electoral landscape.
Despite the recent advocacy, some legislators indicated that support for the winner-take-all proposal remains low, with estimates suggesting they are still a few votes shy of the necessary majority to pass the legislation before the session ends. Missouri’s congressional delegation, comprising five Republicans, recently urged state officials to advance the winner-take-all approach, stating that it’s time for Nebraska to align with the majority of states that utilize this method.
Governor Pillen has expressed a willingness to call a special legislative session to discuss the issue but insists that a clear majority of lawmakers must publicly back the proposal first. Nebraska’s legislature currently consists of 49 senators, requiring the support of at least 33 for the legislation to be passed without obstruction.
While conservatives hold a numerical majority, dissent within their ranks could complicate efforts to change the electoral system, particularly with some legislators, like Sen. Mike McDonnell, remaining firm against the change.
As the November election approaches, early voting ballots are set to be mailed out starting September 30, with a final push needed for any changes by November 5—Election Day. The prospect of reallocating electoral votes has prompted strong reactions from Democrats, who view the push as an attempt to rig the voting system in favor of Republicans.
Some political analysts suggest that shifting to a winner-take-all system could backfire for Republicans, potentially motivating Democrats and jeopardizing Republican incumbents in pivotal districts, particularly in urban areas like Omaha.