(Lincoln, NE) -- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen says there's no plans for a special session to consider changing Nebraska's electoral system to winner-take-all. Pillen said he's worked to secure enough votes in the Legislature to turn the state into a winner-take-all before the election in November and he's disappointed it won't happen.
Tuesday, Governor Pillen issued the following statement:
“My team and I have worked relentlessly to secure a filibuster-proof 33-vote majority to get winner-take-all passed before the November election. Given everything at stake for Nebraska and our country, we have left every inch on the field to get this done.
Unfortunately, we could not persuade 33 state senators. Senator Mike McDonnell of Omaha has confirmed he is unwilling to vote for winner-take-all before the 2024 election. That is profoundly disappointing to me and the many others who have worked so earnestly to ensure all Nebraskans’ votes are sought after equally this election. Based on the lack of 33 votes, I have no plans to call a special session on this issue prior to the 2024 election. I am grateful to the many Nebraskans who made their voices heard during this process.”
Senator McDonnell released a statement on Monday saying the current system "brings tremendous national attention, is impactful on our local economy and forces Presidential candidates to make their case to all Nebraskans, instead of just flying over and disregarding us."
The current system splits its five votes -- with two going to the winner of the popular vote, and the other three are linked to the three congressional districts.
Nebraska and Maine are the only U-S states that don't give all their electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote.
Photo of Governor Jim Pillen from State of Nebraska