By Daniel Lishansky, Chair, National Popular Vote Committee
The Natio
nal Popular Vote Interstate Compact bill (HB 67) has been introduced once again in the Florida House. Thanks goes to Rep. Mike Gottlieb (Broward) for sponsoring it again this year. Sen. Victor Torres (Orange) will again sponsor the bill in the Senate.
So why is this year different from all other years? This year we have acknowledgement and momentum. Two years ago, there were a total of three co-sponsors for the bill. Last session there were 10 co-sponsors
. This session we expect more than 30 co-sponsors.
This momentum will be evident on Oct. 18, when House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (Hillsborough) hosts a Lunch & Learn for the House Democratic Caucus and National Popular Vote will be front and center. In addition, LWVFL Co-President Cecile Scoon will speak about Amendment 4 (returning citizens) and our third speaker will discuss the myriad voter suppression laws anticipated this year. Our National Popular Vote chapter and our chapters throughout Florida have been very busy making this happen.
We know the National Popular Vote will not pass in Florida this year, but we are actively working to build an army of supporters so we are properly poised when the time comes. “Pressure over time” and “patience” will see the National Popular Vote become a reality.
For more information about the National Popular Vote, look at the refreshed website of Floridians for National Popular Vote at www.FloridiansForNPV.com or by scanning the QR code in this article. It contains excellent information about National Popular Vote, including a wonderful 2 ½-minute video that can be found on the home page. Once on the site, click the “Take Action” button to send an email to each of your state legislators telling them that you favor the National Popular Vote.
We are also continuing our efforts to book presentations to community and business groups, political clubs and even other PBC League committees. Anyone interested in a presentation for their group, inside or outside the League, please contact me, Danny Lishansky, at npv@lwvpbc.org.
