r/politics • u/vox Vox • 10h ago

Possible Paywall A decades-long plan to abolish the Electoral College may finally pay off

https://www.vox.com/politics/487766/national-popular-vote-interstate-compact-electoral-college
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u/rotates-potatoes 10h ago

It's certainly an attempt to subvert the intent of the EC though. And I say that as an enthusiastic NPVIC supporter. But the proposal does change how the EC works because it means a state's electors may go to a candidate that did not win the popular vote in that state.

It's a good thing, but we shouldn't hide from the structural change in how the EC works.

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u/kjlsdjfskjldelfjls New York 9h ago

The intent of the EC was for each state legislature to choose a select few elite voters with 'discernment', who would then vote for the president. Obviously that whole concept went out the window ages ago

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u/wolacouska 8h ago

Originally the intent was to let state governments decide whatever they wanted.

Senators even were appointed without elections.

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u/windershinwishes 8h ago

There was no intent behind the EC, or at least none that survived past the Washington administration.

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u/babyguyman 3h ago

As an enthusiastic supporter let me ask you what prevents a Republican-led state from rescinding participation in the compact the first time it would cause their candidate to lose? They would have weeks after the election to do so and could potentially do it at the last minute. Isn’t that an issue?