The Vermont House is poised to debate whether the state should join a national effort to get around the Electoral College and participate in what backers say would effectively be a national popular vote.
The measure was passed in February by the Senate, and would have Vermont join a compact of other states agreeing to throw their Electoral College votes to whichever candidate won the national popular vote.
Backers of the effort say that if enough states sign on to build that total to 270 – the number needed to win a presidential election – the country can change the way it holds national elections without amending the Constitution.
Opponents say supporters are trying to change the way presidential elections are conducted without going through the arduous process of amending the Constitution.