House passes bill to give Maryland’s electoral votes to winner of popular tally

Senate has already OK’d the bill, but opponents argue it’s ill-advised and conflicts with the Constitution

House Republicans and several Democrats resisted the measure before the 85-54 vote, which followed last week’s passage of an identical bill in the Senate.

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) will sign the bill if it reaches his desk. ‘‘Every voter counts and every vote should count equally,” said Rick Abbruzzese, an O’Malley spokesman.

Opponents launched several objections to the measure, arguing that it would give large states more influence in presidential contests, make recounts more cumbersome and violate the Constitution.

‘‘To fix a problem with something that has even more glaring flaws is ill-advised,” said House Minority Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby, who acknowledged the Electoral College’s shortcomings.

GOP opposition to the bill was not politically motivated, he said. ‘‘This sword has two edges. It can hurt Republican candidates and Democratic candidates.”

Del. Luiz R.S. Simmons argued that the measure would decrease the influence of minority voting blocs that can tip an election in a state, but not nationwide. He also questioned the haste in approving the electoral change.

‘‘This bill may not be thoughtless, but it is not a thoughtful product,” said Simmons (D-Dist. 17) of Rockville.

But supporters said a national popular vote would count each vote equally and force candidates to campaign in smaller and politically unbalanced states largely neglected under the Electoral College system. In recent years, presidential campaigns have largely been focused in several battleground states, such as Florida and Ohio.

‘‘Maryland, as well as 36 other states, has become a spectator state,” said Del. Jon S. Cardin (D-Dist. 11) of Baltimore.

To take effect, the national popular vote effort would have to be passed in states that account for more than 270 electoral votes. Dozens of other states are considering adopting similar legislation, according to the bill’s fiscal note. The proposal passed in California last year, but was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R).

The effort gained momentum after President George W. Bush (R) defeated Al Gore in 2000, despite receiving fewer total votes.

Advocates touted the bill’s passage, saying it puts Maryland in the forefront of electoral reform.

‘‘This is a victory for democracy, period,” said Ryan O’Donnell, director of Fair Vote Maryland. ‘‘... I think people in the United States value the principle of one person, one vote.”

Staff Writer Douglas Tallman contributed to this report.