Oregon Joins National Popular Vote Compact

Gov. Kate Brown signed a bill Wednesday that adds Oregon to the National Popular Vote compact. 15 states and Washington D.C., with a total of 196 electoral votes have now approved the initiative. States in the compact agree to award their electoral votes to the winner of the nationwide popular vote, a choice that could differ from that made by its own citizens.  However, it does not take effect until states totaling 270 electoral votes have joined. Until such time, nothing is changing for how Oregon allocates its electoral votes.

The initiative is being driven primarily by Democratic-leaning states; all voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 (see map, above). Aside from Colorado and New Mexico, these states have all voted Democratic since at least 1992.    Oregon last voted for a Republican in Ronald Reagan's landslide 1984 reelection. 

There's been little interest in this proposal from GOP-leaning states. Many of them are smaller and thus over-represented in the Electoral College.  However, that is not exclusively a Republican concern. Oregon's decision comess two weeks after Democratic Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak vetoed similar legislation in his state. Sisolak cited the reduced influence Nevada would have if the initiative took effect. 

comments powered by Disqus

Headlines

Overview and Live Results: Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

One of the more consequential races of 2025 will decide the ideological balance of the court

Overview and Live Results: Florida Congressional Special Elections

While winning might be a bridge too far for Dems in these deep red districts, a close outcome will

Live Results: April 1 Legislative Special Elections

Voters in Florida, Oklahoma, and South Carolina will begin the process of filling a number of legislative vacancies

Live Results: Omaha Mayoral Primary

Republican Mayor Jean Stothert seeks an unprecedented 4th term in office

Live Results: Louisiana Proposed Constitutional Amendments

These statewide ballot measures are part of the March 29 municipal election