For too long, the Electoral College has distorted our democracy, allowing the winner of the popular vote to lose the presidency. In two of the last six presidential elections, the candidate who won the most votes across the country did not become president. This system forces candidates to focus on a handful of swing states while ignoring voters across most of the country, including right here in Michigan.
The National Popular Vote Compact (NPVC) is a bold and pragmatic solution to this issue. It’s a growing movement where states agree to award their electoral votes to the nationwide popular vote winner, ensuring that every vote counts equally in every state.
Why Michigan?
Michigan is a critical battleground in presidential elections, but that may not always be the case. Under the current system, presidential campaigns focus almost exclusively on a few key swing states, meaning that at any point, Michigan voters could be left behind once our state isn’t deemed competitive or “necessary” to win. That’s why passing National Popular Vote (NPV) is so important—it ensures that every vote counts, no matter where you live.
By passing NPV, Michigan can help change the game, making the outcome of every election reflect the will of the entire nation, not just a handful of swing states.
What is the National Popular Vote Compact?
The National Popular Vote Compact is an agreement among states to pledge their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote, once enough states join the compact to represent 270 electoral votes—the threshold needed to win the presidency.
- 17 states and Washington D.C. have already joined the compact, representing 209 electoral votes.
- Michigan’s 15 electoral votes would put us just 46 votes away from making this reform a reality.
Why We Need It Now
In Michigan, we know that every vote counts. But under the current system, our elections are shaped by the whims of a few battleground states. By joining the NPV, Michigan can ensure that the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide wins the presidency, regardless of where the votes are cast.
Here’s why the National Popular Vote is critical:
- Fix the Electoral College: Ensure that the winner of the popular vote becomes president.
- End Voter Suppression: Stop candidates from ignoring voters in “safe” states.
- Make Every Vote Count: No more swing states—the person with the most votes wins.
What’s at Stake?
We are one of the most powerful voices in this national movement. The National Popular Vote Compact will take effect once enough states join to represent 270 electoral votes, and Michigan’s 15 electoral votes can make a huge difference.
With 17 states already on board, we’re closer than ever to ensuring that every American’s vote truly matters in choosing our next president. Michigan can be the state that tips the balance.
How You Can Help
It’s time for Michigan to join the National Popular Vote Compact and ensure that every voter’s voice counts in presidential elections. By acting now, we can help fix the Electoral College once and for all.
Join us in making Michigan a leader in this movement: Write to your state representatives and urge them to pass National Popular Vote in Michigan.
Together, we can make sure that the person with the most votes nationwide is the one who becomes president. Let’s make every vote count!
The Bills
2023-2024 Legislative Session
House Bills 4156 and 4440 – make up the NPV package. These bills are tie-barred, meaning they must both pass for them to get enacted.
