Vermont bill backs popular vote

Vermont's governor on Friday, April 22, 2011 signed into law a measure supporting the popular vote of a president, not an election that's ultimately decided by the Electoral College.

The measure signed by Gov. Peter Shumlin puts Vermont on record to apply its Electoral College votes to whichever candidate wins the national popular vote in presidential elections.

"The National Popular Vote plan seeks to guarantee the presidency to the winner of the National Popular Vote in all 50 states and by signing this bill we are giving Vermont a fair voice in national elections," the governor's office said in an on-line statement.

If enough states sign on to build that total to 270, the number needed to win a presidential election,the country can change the way it holds national elections without amending the Constitution, according to its backers.

Opponents worry it will lessen the state's clout in presidential elections.

Vermont has three Electoral College votes.