Nebraska Governor Halts Special Session on Electoral Vote Changes

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced he would not call a special legislative session to consider changes in the state's method of awarding electoral votes. This decision follows key Republican lawmaker Mike McDonnell's withdrawal of support for the winner-take-all system. The current system, which allocates votes partly by congressional district, will remain ahead of the November 5 presidential election.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has decided against calling a special legislative session to revamp the state's electoral vote allocation method. The decision effectively ends an initiative supported by Donald Trump and his Republican allies.

The announcement came a day after State Senator Mike McDonnell, a crucial Republican, stated he would not back a shift to a winner-take-all system. This left the Republican super-majority at least one vote short, as Democrats collectively opposed the change. Governor Pillen expressed profound disappointment over McDonnell's decision and confirmed that lawmakers would not reconvene before Election Day.

Unlike most states, Nebraska and Maine divide their electoral votes partially by congressional district. In the 2020 elections, Democrat Joe Biden secured one of Nebraska's electoral votes from an Omaha-based district, while Donald Trump clinched one of Maine's. With a close race expected between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Nebraska's unique electoral vote could prove pivotal come November.

(With inputs from agencies.)