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Is this the end of the Electoral College?
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact could allow states to sidestep the Electoral College by pledging their electors to the winner of the national popular vote. The proposal may gain momentum as Democrats take control of more state governments, but even one of its original architects warns that it could create serious constitutional and practical problems.
So far, 18 states and Washington, DC, have joined, representing 222 electoral votes. The compact would take effect once participating states hold enough votes to ensure the national popular vote winner becomes president. Yale professor Akhil Amar helped develop the idea after George W. Bush won the 2000 election despite losing the popular vote; he now worries that Democratic-only support makes the plan look partisan, and that states could disagree over the result of a close national count.
In short
- The compact would award participating states’ electors to the national popular vote winner.
- Eighteen states and Washington, DC, have signed up, totalling 222 electoral votes.
- An original architect warns that close counts could trigger disputes between states.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that the presidency should go to the candidate chosen by the most voters nationwide, so a small number of closely contested states cannot outweigh the broader public preference. By coordinating how participating states appoint electors, the compact could pursue that goal through state authority without waiting for a constitutional amendment, while giving voters across the country an equal stake in the outcome.
The case against
Critics argue that changing how states direct their electors through an interstate compact could raise constitutional questions and invite disputes over whether states can coordinate this way without congressional approval. A close national count could also leave participating states at odds over which result to honour, while support concentrated among Democrats may weaken confidence that the proposal is a fair reform rather than a partisan advantage.