Graham Advocates Nebraska Vote Shift Amid 2024 Election Talks

Trump outline in front of electoral college map

Senator Lindsey Graham’s recent visit to Nebraska sparks controversy over potential electoral vote changes that could benefit Trump in 2024.

At a Glance

Sen. Lindsey Graham met with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to discuss changing the state’s electoral vote allocation system
The proposed change would switch Nebraska from a district-based system to a winner-take-all system
This change could potentially give Trump an extra electoral vote in a tight 2024 presidential race
Gov. Pillen is open to calling a special legislative session if he has enough support
The move faces challenges, including securing necessary votes and potential legal issues

Graham’s Push for Electoral Change

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid, Senator Lindsey Graham has initiated talks with Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Republican legislators. The goal: to change Nebraska’s method of allocating electoral votes from its current congressional district-based system to a winner-take-all approach. This shift could potentially secure all of Nebraska’s electoral votes for Trump in a close race.

Governor Pillen has shown receptiveness to the idea, stating, “As I have consistently made clear, I strongly support statewide unity and joining 48 other states by awarding all five of our electoral college votes to the presidential candidate who wins the majority of Nebraskans’ votes.” However, he emphasized that legislative support would be crucial for this change to become a reality.

I have an ominous sense that Nebraska will try to switch to winner-take-all at the last minute so Maine doesn’t have time to react. There’s really no reason for Maine to wait, they can do it first https://t.co/g8fIzHeKcF

— Dan Amira (@DanAmira) September 19, 2024

Potential Impact on 2024 Election

The proposed change could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election. Currently, Nebraska allocates its electoral votes by congressional district, with the Omaha district often favoring Democrats. A switch to a winner-take-all system would likely ensure all of Nebraska’s electoral votes go to the Republican candidate, potentially providing a crucial advantage in a tight race.

“Depending on how the count comes up, it may very well decide who the next president United States is going be,” said a source familiar with the discussions.

This single electoral vote from Nebraska could prove decisive in a close election scenario, potentially forcing the final decision into the hands of the House of Representatives. The Trump campaign has been vocal about its support for this change, with the former president stating earlier this year that it would be “right for Nebraska.”

Legislative Hurdles and Opposition

Despite the push from Graham and the Trump campaign, the proposed change faces significant hurdles. Governor Pillen requires firm commitments from 33 state senators before calling a special session to address the issue. As of now, these commitments have not been secured.

“Republicans are bullying legislators,” said Jane Kleeb, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair. “They do not have the votes, and this is all political theater for Trump.”

The proposed change has also raised concerns about altering election rules after early voting begins on October 7. Additionally, the Secretary of State’s office has noted that such a change has not been tested in courts and could face legal challenges.

Broader Implications

The potential shift in Nebraska’s electoral vote allocation system could have ripple effects beyond the state. Maine, the only other state with a similar district-based system, might consider switching to winner-take-all if Nebraska does. This highlights the broader strategic implications of such changes in the complex landscape of presidential elections.

As the 2024 election approaches, the outcome of this push in Nebraska will be closely watched. It underscores the intricate nature of the Electoral College system and the potential for even small changes to have significant impacts on national election results.