What is the National Popular Vote Compact?

The National Popular Vote Compact is an agreement among several states in the US that once enough states have joined the agreement, all the member states will give their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote. This agreement was created in response to the Presidential election system set up by the United States Constitution, where the President is chosen by the members of the Electoral College, not by the people. Under the National Popular Vote Compact, the states that have agreed to participate in the agreement will award their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the most popular votes nationwide, regardless of who won the popular vote in that state. This would ensure that the candidate who receives the most votes nationally will become President, and ensure that all votes are weighted equally. The National Popular Vote Compact is in effect in 15 states, as well as DC, and together they represent 196 electoral votes. If just 74 more electors join the Compact, enough to pass the 270 needed to win, the election system will be completely changed. Maryland is one of the states that has joined the Compact, and 34 other states have pending legislation. There have been two bills proposed in the Maryland General Assembly to join the Compact.

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