Tim Walz Calls for Abolishing Electoral College, Sparking Debate Amid Harris Campaign

 

Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, has openly called for the abolition of the U.S. Electoral College, advocating for a national popular vote system in its place. Speaking to a group of party donors, Walz expressed strong support for the change, saying, “The Electoral College needs to go,” and emphasizing the importance of winning key battleground areas such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Nevada through a direct popular vote.

Walz’s remarks align with the views of many Americans who favor moving to a popular vote system, which is standard in most democracies. However, his comments introduce a delicate issue for the Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, who has not fully endorsed this position, despite having previously indicated openness to discussing electoral reforms.

At a separate event in Seattle, Walz reinforced his stance, describing himself as a "national popular vote guy," though he acknowledged the current system’s realities. His statements highlight the ongoing debate over the Electoral College, which assigns 538 electoral votes across U.S. states based on population. Critics argue that it allows for presidents to be elected without winning the national popular vote, as seen in the 2000 and 2016 elections with George W. Bush and Donald Trump, respectively.

Walz’s push for electoral reform follows his signing of a 2023 bill in Minnesota that added the state to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which seeks to ensure electors go to the candidate who wins the popular vote, provided enough states join the pact.

The Harris-Walz campaign clarified that abolishing the Electoral College is not a central part of their platform. Walz’s spokesperson emphasized that the focus remains on securing votes under the current system. Yet, Walz’s comments have been seized upon by the Trump campaign, which views the Electoral College as an advantage.

While Walz’s stance has resonated with many, especially Democrats, it introduces a complex discussion within the party, with Harris offering cautious comments on the subject in the past. As the election nears, the debate over the Electoral College is likely to remain a contentious issue.