National Popular Vote Compact Undermines Constitutional Order and Election Security
Source: Chuck DeVore. "National Popular Vote Empowers States With Lax Election Security." April 21, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that the National Popular Vote compact is dangerous because it lets states with weak election security (like California) control who becomes president, while also bypassing the proper way to change the Constitution. He believes this undermines the Electoral College system that protects smaller states and maintains election integrity.
Conclusion
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact should be rejected because it circumvents constitutional processes and empowers states with weak election security to control presidential elections
Premises
- The compact allows states to effectively amend the Constitution without following the Article V amendment process that requires two-thirds of Congress and three-quarters of states
- The Electoral College serves vital constitutional purposes by maintaining federalism and preventing pure majoritarian rule
- States have dramatically different election security standards, with compact states generally having weaker voter ID requirements and verification processes
- California and similar states lack meaningful citizenship verification, relying only on signed affidavits under penalty of perjury
- The compact would create incentives for a 'race to the bottom' in election standards as states seek to maximize vote totals
- Nearly every jurisdiction in the compact maintains weak or nonexistent voter ID rules, unlike the 36 states that request or require voter identification
Assumptions
- The current Electoral College system is constitutionally sound and serves important democratic purposes
- Voter ID requirements and citizenship verification are necessary for election integrity
- States with lax election security will inevitably influence national outcomes disproportionately under a popular vote system
- The founders' federal system design remains relevant and beneficial for modern America
- Constitutional amendments should only occur through the formal Article V process