Popular Vote Compact Has Not Reached 270 Threshold
The multistate compact remains 48 electoral votes away from triggering its presidential election reform.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Elections
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The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact currently includes 18 states and the District of Columbia, accounting for 222 electoral votes. The agreement aims to shift how presidential elections are decided by awarding electoral votes to the national popular vote winner once the 270-vote threshold is reached.
Why it matters
Proponents argue that the compact makes every voter equally relevant in national elections, while opponents contend that it is an ineffective replacement for the Electoral College. The current gap represents a pivotal legislative hurdle that advocates are attempting to clear through state-level lobbying.
The compact currently holds 222 electoral votes across 18 states and the District of Columbia. It requires 48 additional electoral votes to reach the 270-vote threshold necessary for the agreement to take effect.
The players
Abigail Spanberger
She is the Governor of Virginia who signed legislation for the state to join the compact in April 2026.
Steve Sisolak
He served as the Governor of Nevada and vetoed the state's participation in the compact in 2019.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who won the 2016 election despite losing the national popular vote.
John F. Kennedy
He was a 35th President of the United States who publicly defended the Electoral College system in 1956.
George W. Bush
He was the 43rd President of the United States who secured a victory in 2000 while losing the national popular vote.
The details
The compact functions by having member states voluntarily agree to award their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner regardless of their own state results. Advocates are currently focusing legislative efforts on Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to secure the remaining votes needed.
Timeline
John F. Kennedy defended the Electoral College in 1956.
George W. Bush won the presidency while losing the popular vote in 2000.
Donald Trump won the presidency while losing the popular vote in 2016.
The Nevada legislature passed the compact in 2019 before a gubernatorial veto.
Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a bill for Virginia to join the compact in April 2026.
Political Context
Opponents argue that the compact undermines the Electoral College system as established in the Constitution. They frequently raise concerns that such an agreement would not resolve systemic issues and might face significant legal challenges if implemented.
If the compact reaches 270 votes, the Electoral College would effectively be bypassed, changing how every voter's ballot influences the presidential outcome. This shift would fundamentally alter the weight of votes in every state, regardless of whether that state is currently a member.
The takeaway
The success of the compact hinges on the ability of advocates to pass legislation in several key swing states. Voters should monitor state legislative sessions to see if these states join the 222 current electoral votes to complete the threshold.
Further reading
For more information on the shifting dynamics of presidential voting, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Signal.
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