Virginia Joins National Popular Vote Interstate Compact as 18th State

Virginia has become the 18th state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, according to a New York Post report. Officials signed a bill that commits Virginia's electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote, rather than the winner of the state's election.

The compact will take effect once participating states collectively hold 270 electoral votes, the number needed for a majority in the Electoral College. With Virginia's addition, the total now stands at 222 electoral votes.

Constitution assigns the selection of the president to the Electoral College, a system debated by the Founders in 1788. James Madison, a Virginian involved in those debates, expressed concerns about majorities overpowering minorities through constitutional mechanisms. The Electoral College requires candidates to win votes in multiple states, encouraging appeals to diverse regional interests.

The proposed Virginia congressional map has just one competitive district for Republicans.

have authority over their election procedures, but the compact seeks to align them nationally without a constitutional amendment. The Founders considered various election methods before settling on the Electoral College to balance interests. The compact does not activate until reaching the 270-vote threshold, and its implementation could face review by the Supreme Court if it affects election outcomes.