Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces First Bill in the 119th Congress to Establish Bipartisan Electoral Reform Select Committee

Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Jared Golden (ME-02) kicked off the 119th Congress by introducing legislation to establish a bipartisan select committee that will examine electoral methods and recommend reforms to reduce political polarization and strengthen our democracy.

The Electoral Reform Select Committee Act would convene a bipartisan group of lawmakers to consider alternatives to our current winner-take-all electoral system, such as multi-member districts with proportional representation, expanding the House, and independent redistricting commissions.

Last week, Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Golden wrote an op-ed outlining their electoral reform proposals and underscoring the urgent need to build a more representative and productive federal government.

“Regardless of party or ideology, more and more Americans feel that our democracy isn’t working for them. Voters feel unrepresented and are losing faith in a government that they view as unreflective of their communities and values. As Members of Congress, we need to take a step back, reexamine how we got here, and work toward what we can do to fix it,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “This bipartisan select committee will look at the role our electoral system plays in exacerbating the hyper-partisanship, cynicism, and obstruction that has taken over today’s politics. It’s past time for Congress to set aside the conflict and chaos of clickbait politics and get back to work governing on behalf of the American people.”

“Americans are tired of a political system that divides us,” said Rep. Golden. “Reforms to improve representation are not just a good idea – they are already working in places like Maine. This bill will bring us together to find the solutions we need to make politics better for everyone.”

“Our nation’s founders understood our democracy is a work in progress. By hearing from voices reflective of America and weighing the benefits of different approaches, we can forge consensus on a path forward,” wrote Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Golden. “The outcome of this election provides an opportunity to embrace our American tradition of reform and build a bipartisan coalition that can get it done.”

This legislation has the support of more than 170 political scientists, who wrote a public letter of support calling for Congress to “take this step towards reversing today’s dangerous levels of polarization and dysfunction and to strengthen itself as the fulcrum of our democracy.”

Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Golden also introduced bipartisan election reform legislation to expand access to primary elections for non-affiliated voters.

The lawmakers previously introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress.