Democratic State Wins Fuel Push for National Popular Vote
Democratic control of six state governments has renewed efforts to bypass the Electoral College through the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
Democratic victories in recent midterm elections have given the party full control of state governments in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This shift potentially enables more states to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement where member states pledge their Electoral College votes to the winner of the national popular vote.
Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin Governor David Crowley have expressed support for the move. Shapiro stated that the national popular vote makes sense and indicated he would work with lawmakers to determine the right mechanism for moving forward. Crowley expressed interest in having conversations with the state legislature about doing away with the current system.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs remained noncommittal regarding the compact, and previous efforts in Nevada were blocked by concerns over the influence of smaller states. The compact currently accounts for 222 electoral votes; reaching the 270-vote threshold would effectively neutralize the Electoral College.
Conservative groups, including the America First Policy Institute, argue the plan violates the U.S. Constitution. Legal experts suggest the strategy will likely face challenges in the Supreme Court over state authority and equal protection.
