Electoral College Faces New Pressure as Compact Gains Possible Path Forward
How the compact works
So far, 18 states and Washington, DC, have signed on, accounting for 222 electoral votes. The compact has remained short of the threshold needed to take effect as its supporters seek additional states.
Democrats gaining control of state governments in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin could create new opportunities for the proposal. Politico reported that lawmakers in several states, including Pennsylvania, are discussing it.
An idea rooted in 2000
Akhil Amar, a Yale University professor, and his brother developed the concept after the 2000 presidential election. George W. Bush won the presidency despite Al Gore taking the popular vote by roughly half a percentage point.
Amar is now concerned that every state that has joined leans Democratic. He says that pattern can make the compact appear partisan, despite the idea not having been designed to favor either party.
Concerns over trust and counts
Amar has described the compact as a “doomsday machine,” warning that it could create major constitutional problems. His concerns extend beyond the prospect of political backlash. Under the agreement, each participating state would calculate the national vote total, with no central body overseeing a nationwide count or recount. In a close race, states could reach different conclusions about the winner.
The article also notes that finding a centralized authority trusted by both parties may be difficult. Suspicion of institutions has grown since 2000, adding uncertainty to how a disputed result might be resolved.
Key points
- The compact would award participating states’ electors to the national popular-vote winner.
- Eighteen states and Washington, DC, have joined, representing 222 electoral votes.
- Possible Democratic gains in five states could renew momentum for the compact.
- Akhil Amar warns of constitutional disputes and disagreements over vote counts.