The Preamble to the United States Constitution begins with the following words: We the People. We. The. People. Such stirring words, and a reminder that our Constitution, indeed our government, bases its legitimacy on the will of the people.

Our president should also be chosen by the will of the people. That is why I am writing to advocate for the passage of the National Popular Vote legislation. NPV is legislation at the state level that says, in essence, that whichever presidential candidate that receives the most votes nationally should be elected president.

Article II, Section I of the Constitution states, “Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature therof may direct, a Number of Electors…” NPV is an agreement between states that they will direct their electors to be awarded to the candidate who receives the most votes nationally. It is simple and straight-forward.

In our country’s history, 5 (out of 46) of our presidents lost the popular vote. This is not a new issue. It happened way back in 1824 (when Jackson received more votes but Adams became president). Each vote should count, and candidates should not only concentrate on “battleground” states. Our last few elections have seen over 90% of campaign events going to only 12 states, while the other 38 states were largely ignored.

NPV is an idea whose time has come. It has received support from both Republicans and Democrats. Each vote should count. In a presidential election, the candidate who receives the most votes nationally should become president. In accordance with We the People.

DORIS FEYS,

President, League Of Women Voters, Northeast Michigan