Maine is ready to leave the Electoral College. Here’s how it could actually happen.

Key Points:

• Maine joined the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact in 2024, a coalition of 19 states and Washington, D.C., pledging to award their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner once the compact reaches 270 electoral votes; currently, the compact holds 222 votes.
• Democrats gained control of six new state governments in the recent midterms, including Minnesota (already in the compact), and the other states hold 61 electoral votes, potentially pushing the compact past the 270 threshold if they join.
• Maine uses a unique congressional district method to allocate its four electoral votes, but under the compact, all its electors would be bound to the national popular vote winner if the compact takes effect.
• The movement to abolish the Electoral College gained momentum after presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump won elections despite losing the popular vote; most compact states lean Democratic, raising concerns about partisanship, though public support for abolishing the Electoral College is broad.
• Critics warn the compact could face legal challenges, including questions about its constitutionality without Congressional approval, and could lead to political instability or unintended consequences in presidential elections if implemented.