USA14 April, 20261 min read
Virginia Governor Spanberger Signs Bill Joining National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
Spanberger signed legislation joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Virginia joins other states in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
Virginia Joins Compact
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation that enters the Commonwealth into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Virginia is the 18th state to join, totaling 222 electoral votes. Spanberger described it as a very straightforward, long-term plan.
The compact does not go into effect until states representing a majority of electoral votes pass the legislation. Every state that has enacted the compact has Democratic electoral majorities.
Partisan Divide and Legal Questions
The move sparked partisan backlash in Virginia. Critics called the compact an unconstitutional assault on democracy. The compact relies on two provisions of the US constitution.
Supporters argue that delegating electors is a state power, not a federal power. A Pew Research Center poll showed that 63% of Americans would replace the electoral college.
Advocates Celebrate
Stand Up America hailed the move. Two out of the four US presidents of the 21st century lost the popular vote but won the White House.
Stand Up America’s 10,000+ members in Virginia have organized in support of the compact since 2020. The compact would ensure that every voter’s vote counts equally.