In Short
We support the use of the National Popular Vote Compact as one acceptable way to achieve the goal of the direct popular vote for election of the president until the abolition of the Electoral College is accomplished.
State sizes based on campaign events in 2016
How It Works
Under NPV, all of the electoral votes from the participating states are given to the candidate who receives the most popular votes nationwide. The compact takes effect when enacted by states constituting a majority of the Electoral College--that is 270 of the 538 electoral votes.
Benefits of NPV
✓ Every vote in every state would be equal.
✓ It would increase voters motivation to participate by giving them an incentive to vote in elections even if they are not in the majority in their state.
✓ It would ensure that candidates run and contest all 50 states, not just those few "swing states:" Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and a few others.
Next Steps
Read Our Legislative Testimony on This and Other Priority Issues
Learn More
Recording from "Every Vote Counts" Maine tour, March 2020
Webinar with Eileen Reavey from April 29, 2020
Myths debunked!
Myth #1
Big cities, such as Los Angeles, would control a nationwide popular vote for President. FALSE!
The short answer: Under National Popular Vote, every vote will be equal throughout the US. A vote cast in a big city would be no more (or less) valuable or controlling than a vote cast anywhere else. Want to see the long answer?
Myth #2
Maine, with only 4 electoral votes, would be disadvantaged by the National Popular Vote. FALSE!
The short answer: The small states (the 13 states with only three or four electoral votes) are the most disadtagedvan and ignored group of states under the current state-by-state winner-take-all method of awarding electoral votes; NOT because of their low population, but because they are not closely divided battleground states. Want to see the long answer?
Myth #3
The Electoral College would be abolished by the National Popular Vote compact. FALSE!
The short answer: The National Popular Vote compact would preserve the Electoral College. It would not abolish it. It would not affect the structure of the Electoral College contained in the U.S. Constitution. Want to see the long answer?
