Democratic gains in US statehouses impact Electoral College compact

Recent midterm election results have increased Democratic control over several state governments, potentially accelerating the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. This arrangement aims to effectively bypass the Electoral College by requiring a candidate to win the national popular vote to secure a presidency.

States that have joined the compact currently account for 222 Electoral College votes. The plan requires 270 votes to become functional. Recent Democratic victories in state legislatures and governorships in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have added 71 electoral votes to the total.

While some leaders, such as Wisconsin Governor David Crowley, have expressed interest in pursuing the compact, others remain noncommittal. Legal experts anticipate that the strategy would face significant challenges from conservative groups and could ultimately be reviewed by the Supreme Court.