KAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Governor Steve Sisolak says he will not sign a bill that aims to bypass the Electoral College in Nevada.
"After thoughtful deliberation, I have decided to veto Assembly Bill 186," he said in a statement.
AB 186, also known as the "National Popular Vote" bill, would have added Nevada to an agreement among several states to elect the president by the National Popular Vote rather than the Electoral College.
Here's how it works: Instead of giving its 6 electoral votes to the candidate who gets the most votes in Nevada, the state would give the votes to whoever wins the national popular vote.
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Members of the pact are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state and the District of Columbia, according to CNN.
Read Gov. Sisolak's full statement on his decision to veto the bill below.
Over the past several weeks, my office has heard from thousands of Nevadans across the state urging me to weigh the state’s role in our national elections. After thoughtful deliberation, I have decided to veto Assembly Bill 186.
Once effective, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact could diminish the role of smaller states like Nevada in national electoral contests and force Nevada’s electors to side with whoever wins the nationwide popular vote, rather than the candidate Nevadans choose.
I recognize that many of my fellow Nevadans may disagree on this point and I appreciate the legislature’s thoughtful consideration of this important issue.
As Nevada’s governor, I am obligated to make such decisions according to my own conscience. In cases like this, where Nevada’s interests could diverge from the interests of large states, I will always stand up for Nevada.
