Democratic State Wins Open Possible Path for Popular Vote Compact

Democratic victories in state legislative and gubernatorial races have opened a possible path to activate the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, but the five states that could provide enough electoral votes have not enacted it. If Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin and Nevada all join, the compact’s reported total would rise from 222 to 283 electoral votes, above the 270 needed for it to take effect. The compact would require participating states to direct their presidential electors to the winner of the national popular vote, regardless of how voters in each member state voted. It would not formally abolish the Electoral College, and it would take effect only once member states collectively controlled at least 270 electoral votes. Democrats won new governing trifectas in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada, while Arizona’s status was not settled in all election accounts. One report said Democrats had secured control of both Arizona legislative chambers; others said results were unofficial and Democrats were leading in the Senate. Arizona’s 11 electoral votes are included in the reported five-state total of 61, so the outcome there matters to the...