In the last presidential election, ninety-four percent of all campaign events happened in just seven states. That means the vast majority of Americans were completely ignored. Whether you live in Texas, California, or forty-one other states — candidates had no reason to talk to you, listen to you, or fight for your vote.

Now, Wisconsin happens to be one of those seven states, so we get plenty of attention. But is that fair? We didn't earn it. And it means we're buried in political ads every four years while most of the country is shut out entirely.

The National Popular Vote would make every vote equal — no more swing states, no more spectator states. Eighteen states have already signed on. Wisconsin could be next.

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What is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact? An agreement among states to award all their electoral votes to whichever presidential ticket wins the national popular vote. It doesn't abolish the Electoral College — it works within it, using each state's constitutional authority to decide how to award its electors. The compact only takes effect when member states collectively hold 270 electoral votes. (National Popular Vote; Britannica)

Current status (April 2026): 18 states plus the District of Columbia have signed on, totaling 222 electoral votes — 82% of the 270 needed. Virginia became the newest member on April 14, 2026. The compact needs just 48 more electoral votes to take effect. (NPR; National Popular Vote)

Member states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, plus DC — including 6 small jurisdictions, 10 medium-sized states, and 3 large states. (National Popular Vote)

Why "swing states" dominate: Under the current winner-take-all system, presidential candidates concentrate almost all campaign activity in a handful of competitive states. In 2024, 94% of campaign events occurred in just seven states. Whether you live in deep-red Texas or deep-blue California, candidates have little reason to compete for your vote. (National Popular Vote)

The constitutional basis: Article II of the U.S. Constitution gives each state exclusive authority to decide how to award its electoral votes. States already changed from legislative appointment to popular vote in the 1800s. The compact uses this same authority — no constitutional amendment is required. (Ballotpedia)

Legal questions remain. Some legal scholars believe the compact may require congressional approval under the Constitution's Compact Clause. The compact's sponsors argue congressional approval is not needed because it doesn't infringe on federal power. This question would likely be litigated if the compact reaches 270 votes. (Wikipedia)

Wisconsin legislation: Bills have been introduced in Wisconsin (HB 156 in 2023). NPVIC legislation has been introduced in all 50 state legislatures at some point. (Ballotpedia)

Related Civic Minute segments: Final Five Voting (CM-3)