NPV Myths Debunked!

Myth #1

Big cities, such as Los Angeles, would control a nationwide popular vote for President.

FALSE!

• Los Angeles doesn't control statewide elections in California.
• Historically elected Republicans in California without winning Los Angeles (e.g., Ronald Reagan, Pete Wilson).
• 85% of the U.S. population lives in cities of fewer than 365,000 people.
• The largest 100 cities comprise a slightly larger population than rural areas, which are politically diverse.

Myth #2

Maine would be disadvantaged by the National Popular Vote due to having only 4 electoral votes.

FALSE!

• Small states are often ignored in current winner-take-all electoral methods.
• Candidates focus on closely divided battleground states, not on state predictability based on history.
• In 2016, most campaign events occurred in just a few swing states.
• Maine's votes count under both winner-take-all and a revised method but are overshadowed by larger states.

Myth #3

The Electoral College would be abolished by the National Popular Vote compact.

FALSE!

• National Popular Vote bill is state legislation and does not amend the U.S. Constitution.
• It changes how states allocate their electoral votes.
• Built on the power established in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
• It ensures electors representing the national popular vote winner, maintaining the structure of the Electoral College while seeking reforms.

Myth #4

The framers created the Electoral College to protect small states.

FALSE!

• The Senate ensures equal representation for states, not the Electoral College.
• The Electoral College was a compromise reflecting population, particularly favoring slave states.
• Enslaved populations allowed certain states more influence in Congress and presidential elections.

Myth #5

Maine will give up an advantage under NPV due to high electoral vote-to-population ratio.

FALSE!

• Maine's high electoral vote-to-population ratio does not confer real campaign advantages.
• Small states are generally ignored in presidential campaigns; only battleground states garner significant attention.
• Campaign visits to Maine were minimal compared to swing states.
• Limited financial and policy influences for Maine in comparison to swing states.

Myth #6

It will be too hard to conduct a national recount in a very close election.

FALSE!

• Historical surveys show recounted statewide elections are rare; roughly once every 332 elections.
• Applying this statistic suggests nationwide recounts could occur once every 1,328 years.
• National recounts only need to summarize votes from all states; states retain control over their election processes.
• Large states successfully conduct popular elections with established processes supporting recounts.