Maine Democrats Move to Eliminate Superdelegates

4048
SOURCENationofChange

This weekend Maine Democrats will take the first step to completely change the meaning of superdelegates.

Superdelegates, widely unpopular, especially this campaign, are currently distributed however they wish rather than in proportion to their state’s primary results. A new amendment introduced by Representative Diane Russell would change that so that all superdelegates would be distributed in proportion to the voting results. Russell says, ‘We have a system of government where you have one person, one vote, by and large. The primary system is not when that happens. And I think that we need to start moving toward a system that’s more fair, that’s more democratic, and more reflective of the popular vote.”

In the 2016 election superdelegates have come under fire after several states, including Maine, gave a hugely disproportionate number of superdelegates to Hillary Clinton even though she lost the caucus or primary. In Maine specifically, where Bernie Sanders won 64% to Clinton’s 35%, Clinton received three of the five super delegates and Sanders only received one (one is still undeclared).

Troy Jackson, the only super delegate to declare for Sanders in Maine, stated: “If you’re representing the state of Maine as a superdelegate, you should be going the way of the voters.”

If the amendment passes it will not officially take affect until 2020, but will allow for Maine to strongly suggest that this year’s super delegates vote in accordance with the caucus results. It may also be enough to spark a larger fight all the way to the contested national convention.

Voting on the amendment will take place this weekend at Maine’s state convention.

FALL FUNDRAISER

If you liked this article, please donate $5 to keep NationofChange online through November.

SHARE
Previous articleNew Record Set for World’s Cheapest Solar
Next articleNo, Trump Did Not Change His Position On The Minimum Wage
Alexandra Jacobo is a dedicated progressive writer, activist, and mother with a deep-rooted passion for social justice and political engagement. Her journey into political activism began in 2011 at Zuccotti Park, where she supported the Occupy movement by distributing blankets to occupiers, marking the start of her earnest commitment to progressive causes. Driven by a desire to educate and inspire, Alexandra focuses her writing on a range of progressive issues, aiming to foster positive change both domestically and internationally. Her work is characterized by a strong commitment to community empowerment and a belief in the power of informed public action. As a mother, Alexandra brings a unique and personal perspective to her activism, understanding the importance of shaping a better world for future generations. Her writing not only highlights the challenges we face but also champions the potential for collective action to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

COMMENTS