U.S. Takes Step Closer to Popular Vote for Presidential Elections as Virginia Joins Compact

TIME
by Callum Sutherland and Chantelle Lee
April 15, 2026
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5 min read

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The Bottom Line

Virginia joined the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, moving closer to a popular vote for presidential elections.

How This Affects You

This compact aims to elect the President by national popular vote, potentially changing how your vote contributes to presidential elections.

AI Summary

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact into law this week, moving the state closer to electing U.S. presidents by national popular vote. Virginia is now the 19th jurisdiction to join the compact, bringing the total electoral votes represented to 222. This action could sideline the Electoral College if states representing at least 270 electoral votes join the compact. The compact would ensure participating states award their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the nationwide popular vote. The Virginia Republican Party condemned Spanberger's action, calling it an "unconstitutional assault on our democracy."

What's Being Done

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact into law.

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