Maine a Step Closer to Tying Electoral Votes to National Popular Vote

Maine could become the 17th member of an interstate coalition whose electors back whoever wins the national popular vote.

Voters fill out and cast their ballots at the Cross Insurance Center polling location on Nov. 3, 2020, in Bangor, Maine. Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Maine’s Legislature has approved a bill that would award its four electoral college votes for U.S. president to the winner of the majority of the national vote.

The Democrat-backed bill was narrowly pushed through the Maine House on April 2 by a 73–72 margin over fierce resistance from Republicans. The state Senate followed suit the day after, approving the bill by a largely party-line 18–12 vote, with state Sen. Matt Pouliot, a Republican, voting in favor while several Democrats opposed it.