Maine Legislature Considers Bill to Withdraw from Popular Vote Compact
AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Legislature is revisiting its commitment to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC), a move that could reshape how the state participates in presidential elections. This week, the House advanced a Republican-sponsored bill to withdraw from the compact, which aims to award electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote, thereby diminishing the role of the Electoral College.
Currently, the NPVIC will take effect once states comprising 270 electoral votes join; it now has 209 electoral votes pledged. Maine awards two electoral votes to the statewide popular vote winner and allocates the remaining two based on congressional district outcomes, a unique method shared only with Nebraska.
Though the Maine Senate recently tabled the bill, its progression has attracted notable bipartisan support, including votes from some Democrats who previously endorsed the compact last year. Representatives Tavis Hasenfus, Karen Montell, and James Dill joined Republicans in pushing for the withdrawal.
Debates around the bill reflect contrasting views on voter influence. Supporters of the withdrawal, like GOP State Representative Barbara Bagshaw, argue that the compact undermines the political power of smaller states like Maine. In contrast, many Democrats advocate for the popular vote as a fairer electoral system. Democratic Representative Adam Lee emphasized that the Electoral College stems from a fundamental distrust in the electorate’s decision-making.
As the Senate prepares to take its first vote on the legislation, the implications of this bill could significantly impact how Maine participates in national elections. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story on NEWS CENTER Maine+ and our mobile app.
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