How This Works
The Situation Right Now
- The Constitution says that the Electoral College shall elect the US President.
- Each State awards all their Electoral Votes to their State election winner.
- Electoral Votes do not always match what voters or States as a whole want.
- It is next to impossible to pass an Amendment to end the Electoral College.
What Would Fix The Electoral College
- The Constitution says that "Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors...".
- Instead of awarding all their Electoral Votes to their State election winner, States could award them to the National Popular Vote winner.
- This agreement is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
- If US States worth 270 Electoral Votes enact the Compact, it goes into force.
So when enough US States pass the Compact...
Popular Vote Winner = Electoral College Winner. Always.
10 States (plus DC), worth 165 Electoral Votes, have enacted the Compact into law.
14 States, worth 142 Electoral Votes, have passed the Compact in a legislative chamber or committee, but not into law.
We are surprisingly close to fixing the Electoral College.
In fact, here's a really good explainer video of how this works.
So. This is where you come in. Here's what you can do right now.
Step 1.
Find Your State Representative & State Senator.
Yes - you need to find your *state* representatives. You likely have no idea who it is, but that's ok. Here are tools that make it fast.
Use The Write Your Legislator Tool - Type in your ZIP Code & Go!
Search Open States - Type in your address & find your legislator.
On your phone & can't do this right now?
Step 2.
Tell Your Representatives To Support The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact has been introduced in various years in all 50 States, so the legislation is written & ready.
But your legislator cannot prioritize the bill without your support. Tell them this:
Hello!
I'm an active voter from your district. I support the effort to reform the Electoral College through the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
10 States (both Republican & Democrat) have already enacted the Compact into law, and a further 14 have passed the Compact in a legislative chamber or committee.
I think our State should join as well.
In the upcoming session, please become a co-sponsor and/or vote for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
You can find more information about the effort at NationalPopularVote.com
Thank you for your time & service.
- Here's a pre-written email template.
- Here's a pre-written Google Doc template.
- NationalPopularVote.com has lots of pre-written templates.
- Bonus points if your call your rep.
Step 3.
Tell Your Friends To Find & Tell Their State Representatives.
70% of Americans support a National Popular Vote for President. The more people that pressure their State Reps, the closer we'll be.
#fixthecollege
Keep Learning!
The Electoral College
How the College Works Electoral College Troubles Cities, Metro Areas & Myths Electoral College's Weaknesses Why The College Is Still Around
Is This Possible?
Yes! Both Red & Blue States have passed the Compact. Constitutional scholars approve. Your state legislators simply need to know that you want it passed!