Ties Not An Issue In NPV Debate

by: Derek Viger

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 07:25:27 AM EST

Our article regarding the failed National Popular Vote proposal did not delve into the details of the two-and-half-hour floor debate. The Kennebec Journal made an attempt to, but failed drastically when they misrepresented the point legislators were trying to make.

Before delving into the KJ's error, it's worth noting, again the difference between a plurality of votes and a majority. A plurality simply means that one candidate received the most votes, whether that number is 10%, 20%, 40%, or any number in between. A majority means a candidate received 50% + one vote. For example, in the 2006 gubernatorial election John Baldacci won with 38% of the vote in a five-way race. He received a plurality, rather than a majority.