Democrats Open 272-Vote Path to National Popular Vote Compact by 2028

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 8

Four Democratic state trifectas — Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nevada — could add 50 electoral votes to the National Popular Vote compact, lifting it from 222 to 272 and putting it into effect for 2028.
National Popular Vote says it already has legislative sponsors in those four states and Arizona, with bills expected before or early in the 2027 sessions; Arizona would raise the total to 283 if Democrats win both chambers.
July 20, 2028 is the key deadline: states totaling 270 electoral votes must join by then for participating states to award electors to the national popular-vote winner rather than their own statewide winner.
Legal and political fights would follow quickly, with supporters arguing Article II lets states choose electors, while critics say the Compact Clause requires congressional approval and nonparticipating states would likely sue.
The push leaves the Electoral College unchanged for now, but gives Democrats less than two years to secure state action, possible congressional consent and court clearance before the next presidential race.