ABCNEWS: State law takes US a step closer to popular vote deciding presidential elections
“After much public debate, a Maine law has brought the country closer to having the popular vote determine the winner of national presidential elections — but it’s unlikely that will happen before November or even at all.
Earlier this week, Maine Gov. Janet Mills allowed a bill to become law without her signature that would take effect once the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is able to gather pledges for at least 270 electoral votes — the number of delegate votes needed to elect a president.
The movement has now gathered pledges from 17 states and Washington, D.C. — accounting for a total of 209 electoral votes.
The movement seeks to change the way a president is chosen, without a constitutional amendment, but experts say it’s unclear what happens when enough states have signed on. It’s unlikely this would happen before the 2024 election.
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact seeks to guarantee that the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia wins the presidency.”