On September 30th California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tarnished his reform credentials by vetoing AB 2948, state legislation to make California the first state to enter into an interstate agreement to award its electoral votes to the national popular vote winner. Schwarzenegger acknowledged that California has lost relevance in presidential campaigns, but rejected the only approach that would both level the playing field in presidential elections and make all voter relevant.

The National Popular Vote plan is likely to be debated in every state legislature in the country in 2007, including California. If re-elected, Schwarzenegger may well have another chance next year to advance equality and fair elections.

[ Schwarzengger's veto statement and response from FairVote ]
[ Recent commentaries about NPV plan ]
[ National Popular Vote website ]