Rhode Island Joins National Popular Vote Compact

Rhode Island state lawmakers endorsed the National Popular Vote Compact back in 2008 but former Governor Carcieri vetoed the legislation. However, current Governor Lincoln Chafee has signed the latest bill, and Rhode Island is the ninth state to enact the law, along with Washington D.C.

Before Rhode Island joined, the combined states had only 132 electoral votes, about 49% of the 270 needed to guarantee the presidency to the winner of the popular vote. Now, with the addition of Rhode Island's four votes, the compact has officially crossed the halfway mark at 136 votes!

But for the time being, nothing changes. Remember, the Agreement Among the States to elect the President by National Popular Vote only takes effect when it has been approved by enough states to guarantee that the majority of Electoral College votes would go the winner of the national popular vote.

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