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Bill

SB 1338

interstate agreement; national popular vote

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Lela Alston and 13 co-sponsors

Arizona would join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, pledging its electoral votes to the national popular vote winner once enough states representing 270 electoral votes join the agreement.

Senate Second Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1338

Legislative bill overview

SB 1338 would authorize Arizona to enter into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC), an agreement among states to award their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote rather than the state-by-state winner. The compact becomes operative once states representing 270 electoral votes (a majority needed to win the presidency) join the agreement.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how Arizona's 11 electoral votes would be allocated in presidential elections. If enacted alongside similar legislation in other states, it would fundamentally change the Electoral College system by making the national popular vote the determining factor for presidential outcomes rather than state-level results. This represents a significant shift in presidential election mechanics that has been debated for over a century.

Potential points of contention

  • State sovereignty concerns: Critics argue the compact effectively diminishes Arizona voters' influence by potentially prioritizing the national popular vote over state interests, while supporters contend it ensures equal weight for all voters regardless of state
  • Electoral College reform approach: Opponents prefer pursuing a constitutional amendment to change the Electoral College, while supporters view the interstate compact as a pragmatic alternative requiring no federal action
  • Partisan implications: The bill's impact on Arizona's electoral competitiveness and which party benefits remains disputed, with concerns about how this affects swing state status and political leverage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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