The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 2

by United States. Constitutional Convention; James Madison

M^r Gerry 2^ded the motion.

M^r Sherman would sooner give up the plan. He would prefer seven or thirteen.

On the question moved by Col: Mason & M^r Gerry

N. H. no. Mas. no. C^t no. N. J. no. P^a no. Delaware [and] M^d no. V^a ay. N. C. ay. S. C. no. Geo. no.

M^r Spaight and M^r Rutlidge moved to strike out "five" and insert "thirteen"–to which all the States disagreed–except N. C. & S. C.

M^r Madison & M^r Williamson moved to insert after "Electors" the words "who shall have balloted" so that the non voting electors not being counted might not increase the number necessary as a majority of the whole to decide the choice without the agency of the Senate.

On this question

N. H. no. Mas. no. C^t no. N. J. no. P^a ay. Del. no. M^d ay. V^a ay. N. C. ay. S. C. no. Geo. no.

M^r Dickinson moved, in order to remove ambiguity from the intention of the clause as explained by the vote, to add, after the words "if such number be a majority of the whole number of the Electors" the word "appointed."

On this motion