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Bill

SB 322

National Popular Vote Compact; enters Virginia into an interstate compact.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 34 co-sponsors

Virginia would join an interstate compact awarding its 13 electoral votes to the national popular vote winner instead of state winner, pending compact activation at 270 electoral votes.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 716 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 322

Legislative bill overview

SB 322 would enter Virginia into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to award their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote rather than the state popular vote winner. The compact only takes effect once states representing 270 electoral votes (a majority) have joined. Virginia currently has 13 electoral votes.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how Virginia's presidential electoral votes are awarded—a fundamental aspect of presidential elections. If enough states join the compact, it would effectively replace the state-by-state Electoral College system with a national popular vote system, fundamentally altering how presidents are elected and potentially shifting campaign attention away from swing states like Virginia.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Critics argue the compact may conflict with the Framers' electoral design or raise questions about whether states can cede electoral authority this way; supporters argue it operates within existing constitutional parameters
  • Campaign strategy shift: Virginia could become less pivotal in presidential campaigns if the national popular vote becomes the determining factor, while other safe states might gain relative importance
  • Electoral college debate: The bill represents a fundamental disagreement about whether the Electoral College (representing federalism and state interests) or a national popular vote (representing direct democracy) better serves democratic principles
  • Implementation risk: The compact only activates at 270 electoral votes; Virginia's participation before that threshold is met represents a unilateral change to its election process with uncertain reciprocal benefits

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

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