New Hampshire Republicans are pushing through a bill, SB 11, that could drastically change how the state allocates its electoral votes.
This might sound like a minor tweak to the state’s electoral process, but this proposal is anything but simple. If passed, it could fundamentally alter how New Hampshire allocates its electoral votes in presidential elections—shifting from a winner-takes-all model to a district-based system. While this may seem like a fairer approach on the surface, it raises serious concerns about gerrymandering, vote dilution, and the overall integrity of the electoral process.
The bill is sponsored by 8 Republicans and no Democrats according to by Legiscan.com.
What’s the Deal with SB 11?
SB 11 proposes that New Hampshire’s 4 electoral votes be allocated as follows:
- Two at-large electors will still cast their votes for the presidential candidate who wins the state’s overall popular vote.
- Two district electors will cast their votes based on the outcome of each of New Hampshire’s two congressional districts.
On its face, it sounds like a reasonable change aimed at reflecting the diversity of the state’s voters. However, the district-based allocation could open the door for some serious problems.
The Real Concern: Gerrymandering
The main issue with SB 11 is the potential for gerrymandering—the manipulation of district boundaries to favor one political party over another. Under the proposed system, the allocation of electoral votes would be split by congressional district. If the boundaries of those districts are not drawn in a fair and representative way, the result could be a disproportionate influence on the outcome of the presidential election.
In states where district lines are drawn to benefit one party, it becomes easier to create safe districts where one party’s candidate is all but guaranteed to win. This effectively dilutes the power of voters, especially in areas that might not reflect the true will of the people. New Hampshire’s population is diverse, and its political landscape has been historically competitive, but with gerrymandered districts, this could change rapidly, and not for the better.
How Gerrymandering Could Impact the Election
Let’s take a moment to imagine the potential consequences of this bill passing:
- Districts Could Be Rigged: If district boundaries are manipulated to favor one party, the allocation of electoral votes could no longer reflect the true preferences of New Hampshire’s voters. Even if a candidate wins the state’s popular vote, they could lose out on one or more of the electoral votes due to the way districts are drawn. This leads to results that do not align with the majority’s choice, undermining the concept of one person, one vote.
- Fractured Outcomes: Under the current system, New Hampshire uses a winner-takes-all approach, where the state’s 4 electoral votes go to the candidate who wins the most votes. SB 11 would fragment this process, potentially resulting in split electoral votes. For example, a candidate could win the state overall but lose a district due to gerrymandered lines, which would dilute the power of their victory and complicate the election outcome.
- A National Trend: If SB 11 is successful, other states may follow suit. The district-based electoral system, combined with gerrymandering, could spread to other battleground states, further distorting the fairness of elections across the country. If gerrymandered districts become the norm, we risk undermining the integrity of the entire electoral college system, making it easier for the interests of a few to override the will of the voters.
Why This Matters for Electoral Integrity
The foundation of a healthy democracy lies in fair representation and equitable voting practices. SB 11 may seem like a small change, but its potential consequences are far-reaching. Gerrymandering is already a significant problem in U.S. elections, and further embedding it into the presidential election process could push us further away from the principle of fair and representative democracy.
As citizens, we all deserve a system where every vote counts equally, and the outcome of elections reflects the true preferences of the electorate. When district lines are manipulated to favor one party over another, it risks undermining trust in the electoral process, disenfranchising voters, and undercutting the legitimacy of election results.
What Can We Do About It?
While SB 11 is still in the early stages, it’s important that we stay vigilant and informed. The risk of gerrymandering is real, and if left unchecked, it could have a devastating impact on the fairness of future elections—not just in New Hampshire, but nationwide. Here are a few ways we can act:
- Speak Out: Engage in conversations with local legislators about the importance of fair districting and the risks of gerrymandering. Encourage them to reject any changes that could lead to disproportionate influence or unfair electoral outcomes.
- Support Independent Redistricting: Advocate for independent redistricting commissions that are designed to draw fair and competitive district lines, free from partisan influence. Many states have already implemented these commissions with success.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the progress of SB 11 and other bills that could impact electoral fairness. Share information with your community to ensure that voters understand the potential consequences of these changes.
- Engage with Non-Partisan Organizations: Support and get involved with organizations that are working to protect fair elections and prevent gerrymandering, such as Common Cause or FairVote. These groups are dedicated to ensuring that electoral systems remain accountable to the public.
Conclusion: Protecting Electoral Integrity Starts with Us
SB 11 is more than just a technical change to how New Hampshire allocates its electoral votes—it’s a test case for how we protect the integrity of our elections. If we allow gerrymandering to become a permanent feature of our electoral system, we risk eroding the core principles of democracy.
As citizens, we must stand united in calling for fair representation and transparent election practices. We cannot afford to let partisan manipulation undermine the will of the people. The fight to ensure that every vote counts fairly is ongoing, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that future generations inherit a democracy that reflects the values of justice, equality, and integrity.
Let’s protect the integrity of our electoral system—starting with a commitment to fair, transparent, and unbiased districting. New Hampshire can set an example for the nation. Let’s make sure that example is one of fairness, not manipulation.
Leave a Reply