Maine Governor Janet Mills recently decided not to veto the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPV) law, which aims to allocate the state’s Electoral College votes to the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide. This law will only go into effect once states with a total of 270 electoral votes join the compact. The NPV recently gained its 209th electoral vote with Maine’s participation, potentially paving the way for the end of the current Electoral College system by the 2024 election cycle. The Electoral College has been criticized as an undemocratic institution that has resulted in two instances where the candidate who received fewer popular votes won the presidency, leading to significant consequences such as wars and economic crises.
The NPV is seen as a way to address the flaws of the Electoral College system, which has faced widespread criticism and calls for its abolition. Despite the unpopularity of the Electoral College among the public and the challenges in amending the Constitution to abolish it, the NPV provides a practical alternative to reform the way presidential elections are conducted. The effort to establish the NPV began in 2006, with Maryland being the first state to join in 2007. Through Democratic successes in passing the NPV in states where they have governing trifectas, the NPV has gained momentum and is now approaching the 270 electoral vote threshold needed for it to take effect.
The potential impact of the NPV on future presidential elections depends on the participation of key battleground states like Arizona and Georgia, as well as the outcome of upcoming elections in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. However, challenges remain, particularly in relation to legal battles over the constitutionality of the interstate compact and potential Supreme Court rulings. There is concern that the conservative-leaning Supreme Court may rule against the NPV, highlighting the need for potential reforms to the Court itself to ensure the compact’s success. Democrats may need to consider expanding the Supreme Court if they regain control of Congress to address these challenges.
The NPV represents a significant opportunity for Democrats to reform the presidential election process and move away from the Electoral College system. The potential implementation of the NPV could have a transformative impact on future elections, potentially ensuring that the candidate with the most popular votes wins the presidency. As the NPV gains momentum and approaches the required number of electoral votes, the focus is now on overcoming legal and political challenges to see this reform through. The outcome of upcoming elections and potential Supreme Court rulings will play a crucial role in determining the future of the NPV and the broader debate around electoral reform in the United States.
