John R. Koza is right to note the substantial anti-democratic flaws and need for reform in our current electoral system ("Ensuring every vote counts,'' Perspective, Nov. 30.) More than 7 in 10 Americans support moving to a system of electing the president using the national popular vote and not through the Electoral College, according to recent Gallup polls. Common Cause/New York supports the bill introduced by state Sen. Kevin Parker (S7277) as a constitutional and practical way for New York to take a step toward implementation of nationwide popular election of the president.

Our current state-centric system allows some voters to count more than others by fostering the artificial division of "red," "blue'' and "swing" states. Equally problematic, it mutes political participation, especially in electorally "safe" states such as New York.

The National Popular Vote Bill would enter our state into an "inter-state compact," in which we agree to put our Electoral College votes behind the winner of the national popular vote, regardless of which candidate secures the most votes within New York. By joining with other states in the compact, we will equalize all voters, regardless of their party affiliation or the state they reside in.

Passing the National Popular Vote proposal is an important long-term step New York should take to reform the way elections are conducted. It should be complemented with other, more immediate election reforms in New York, such as same-day voter registration and early voting.

New York has everything to gain from the adoption of a National Popular Vote Bill: increased voter turnout; the promise of thriving national campaigns; a chance to get candidates to address state concerns; and, most importantly, more democratic elections.

Susan Lerner

Executive Director

Common Cause/New York