For the first time in modern American history, we're making real progress in the effort to end the current un-democratic system of electing our president.

Today, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed the National Popular Vote bill. Maryland thus became the first state to pass the law that -- once passed by sufficient states -- will ensure that the presidency goes to the person who wins the most votes nationwide.

And in the last few days, the Hawaii legislature passed the National Popular Vote bill and sent it on to Governor Linda Lingle.

The National Popular Vote act is an interstate agreement that effectively change the system of picking the president. It's an ingenious plan that doesn't require a constitutional amendment -- instead, it would become effective once it becomes law in enough states equaling a majority of the Electoral College vote. Once it passes this threshold, the Electoral College becomes instantly irrelevant, replacing our presidential elections with a pure popular vote.

If you're curious (or skeptical) about how this can be accomplished without amending the Constitution, I encourage you to check out this website for more information.

Also, you can join the partybuilder National Popular Vote site here.