Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger ignited a firestorm of controversy by signing a bill that commits the state’s electoral votes to the national popular vote winner. This decision thrusts Virginia into the National Popular Vote Compact, a multi-state agreement designed to fundamentally alter how presidents are elected.
The move immediately drew fierce condemnation from Virginia Republicans, who argue the bill effectively silences the voices of Virginians. They claim it renders the state’s presidential vote “NULL AND VOID,” as electoral votes would be dictated by the national tally, regardless of the outcome within Virginia itself.
Spanberger’s decision arrives at a precarious moment. Having recently delivered the Democratic response to a presidential address, her approval ratings have been steadily declining. Critics suggest she’s straying from the centrist platform that propelled her into office, embracing policies perceived as far-left.
The Republican Party of Virginia wasted no time in voicing its outrage, labeling Spanberger’s actions as an “unconstitutional assault on our democracy.” The core argument centers on the belief that each state’s electorate should determine its own electoral outcome, not be subject to a national popular vote.
However, the bill also garnered praise from advocates who believe the Electoral College is outdated and undemocratic. Groups like Stand Up America hailed the move as a crucial step towards a more representative system, arguing the presidency should be decided by the candidate with the most votes nationwide.
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact isn’t immediately active. It operates on a trigger: it only takes effect when participating states collectively hold at least 270 electoral votes – a majority of the Electoral College. Virginia’s addition brings the total to 222, leaving the compact 48 votes short of activation.
Until that threshold is reached, Virginia will continue to award its electors based on the state’s internal vote. The compact’s supporters remain optimistic, actively pursuing legislation in states like Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada.
Proponents emphasize that the compact doesn’t diminish individual state votes. Instead, it ensures every vote contributes directly to the national count, eliminating the possibility of a state’s popular vote being overshadowed by the Electoral College’s allocation.
The controversy surrounding Spanberger extends beyond the electoral vote compact. She’s also facing accusations from former Governor Glenn Youngkin of “illegal and unconstitutional” gerrymandering, related to proposed changes to Virginia’s congressional maps.
Virginians will soon vote on Spanberger’s redistricting referendum, a move Youngkin contends would unfairly grant Democrats a significant advantage, potentially securing 10 of the state’s 11 congressional seats. This adds another layer of complexity to the growing political tensions within the state.
Spanberger recently signed hundreds of bills into law, while also vetoing measures concerning skill-gaming machines and a proposed casino. She also proposed amendments to bills including new restrictions on gun ownership and limitations on law enforcement’s involvement in immigration enforcement, signaling a clear direction for her administration.
