Mass. House approves national popular vote bill

BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts House has approved a bill that would replace the Electoral College with a direct popular vote when electing the president.

The measure is part of a national initiative designed to garner the support of enough states to set aside the Electoral College system.

It would award the presidency to whomever claims the most votes on Election Day. The bill would take effect only if states possessing a majority of Electoral College votes pass an identical measure.

The House approved the bill on a 113-35 vote. It now heads to the Senate.

Supporters, including the government watchdog group Common Cause, are hoping get the bill to Gov. Deval Patrick, who hasn’t taken a position on it.

Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, Hawaii and Washington state have approved the measure.