Virginia has become the latest state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to award their presidential electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote. Governor Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) signed the bill into law on Monday, adding Virginia to the compact, which now includes 18 states and the District of Columbia, representing 222 electoral votes.
The compact would only take effect once enough states join to reach the 270 electoral votes needed to elect a president. Currently, all states in the compact are Democratic-leaning, with no Republican-leaning states participating. The measure has faced criticism from Republicans, who argue it undermines the Electoral College system and could nullify voters' choices in individual states.
Supporters of the compact, including progressive voting rights organizations, argue it would ensure the presidency is won by the candidate with the most votes nationwide. The compact relies on provisions in the U.S. Constitution that allow states to determine how they appoint electors. However, legal challenges are expected if the compact reaches the required threshold.
The bill's passage in Virginia was facilitated by Democrats' control of the governor's office and the state legislature following the 2023 elections. Supporters say the effort has been a long-term push, with bills introduced in nearly every state, often in a bipartisan manner. Critics, including the Virginia Republican Party, have called the move unconstitutional and an assault on democracy.
The compact's future remains uncertain, as it requires additional states to join before it can take effect. Legal and political debates are likely to intensify as the effort moves closer to the 270-electoral-vote threshold.