1. R040-1112
10 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING
20 THE MODIFICATION OF CODE ELECTION LAW ARTICLE, SEC. 8-505 SECTION C “WINNER-TAKE-ALL”
30 WHEREAS: The repealing of this act would ensure greater representation for all residents of the state of
40 Maryland including those residing in both urban and rural areas; and,
50 WHEREAS: The current winner-take-all systemroots its history in “the corrupt bargain” of 1824 and is
60 therefore outdated and need of revision if the disenchanted are to have renewed faith in democracy; and,
70 WHEREAS: In 2008 only 68.3% voter turnout for Maryland was reported and the main reason cited was that
80 voters felt that individual votes did not matter; and,
90 WHEREAS: Since 1978 there have been three instances when the Electoral College representatives did not vote
100 according to the values of her people, the popular vote dictate, due to the flawed winner-take-all system; and
110 WHEREAS: The winner-take-all systemalso creates apostatismbetween the minds of those wishing to make
120 bipartisan effort concerning current hot-button issues; and,
130 WHEREAS: Exists a prominent and alarming under-representation concerning unaffiliated voters; and,
140 WHEREAS: Exists a more than subtle voting trend created in 1992 that leads to popular feelings of under-
150 representation in certain population areas; and,
160 WHEREAS: This would force candidates to take Maryland as a whole more seriously and force the state onto
170 the campaign trail improving Maryland economy
180 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Maryland Student Legislature urges the Maryland State
190 Legislature to correct Maryland An. Code 1957, art. 33, § 8-505; 2002, ch. 291, §§ 2, 4. Section C to no longer
200 state “Voting by electors.- After taking the oath prescribed by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution before
210 the Clerk of the Court of Appeals or, in the Clerk's absence,before one of the Clerk's deputies, the presidential
220 electors shall cast their votes for the candidates for President and Vice President who received a plurality of the
230 votes cast in the State of Maryland”
240 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That Maryland An. Code 1957, art. 33, § 8-505; 2002, ch. 291, §§ 2, 4.
250 Section C state in preference, “Voting by electors.- After taking the oath prescribed by Article I, § 9 of the
260 Maryland Constitution before the Clerk of the Court of Appeals or, in the Clerk's absence,before one of the
270 Clerk's deputies,the presidential electors shall cast their votes for the candidates for President and Vice
280 President who received a plurality of the votes cast in the district they represent”

2. 290 MANDATES: David R. Brinkley,Senator,JamesSenateOffice Building,Room42 11 BladenSt.,
300 AndrewP. Harris, M.D., U.S.Representative,506CannonHouse Office Building,Washington,DC
310 Richard F. Colburn,Senator, JamesSenateOffice Building,Room315 11 BladenSt.,Annapolis
320 George C.Edwards,Senator, JamesSenate Office Building, Room322 11 BladenSt.,Annapolis
330 LeRoy E. Myers,JR., State Delegate,House Office Building,Room215 6 BladenSt.,Annapolis
340 Rudolf C.Cane,State Delegate,House Office Building,Room364 6 BladenSt.,Annapolis
SPONSOR: Frances Harrison, MSL delegation, FCC