PHOENIX — After securing full control of Arizona’s state government for the first time in more than fifty years, Democratic leaders are moving to place the state in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The compact would require Arizona to award its electoral votes to the presidential candidate who receives the most votes across the United States.
Legislative push and Democratic rationale
Governor Katie Hobbs, speaking after her inauguration, highlighted public safety, education and cost‑of‑living reductions as top priorities, but she did not directly address the popular‑vote proposal. Senate‑elect Aaron Lieberman, a Democrat from Phoenix, said the compact offers “one man, one vote” and could give Arizonans a stronger voice in presidential elections. “I think that’s a great idea,” Lieberman told reporters, adding that the state is “about to find out” whether it can join the effort.
Support from newly elected representatives
Rep‑elect Rockee Armstrong, a Democrat from Chandler, echoed the sentiment, noting that the 2022 election showed a desire for broader voter influence. “We saw in this election that people need their voice, they need to be heard,” Armstrong said. “The national popular vote is a movement that ensures that happens, and so I do support that.”
Current status of the compact
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact currently includes 18 states and the District of Columbia, together holding 222 electoral votes. The agreement only takes effect when participating jurisdictions reach the 270‑vote threshold needed to elect a president. Patrick Rosenstiel, spokesperson for the National Popular Vote organization, said Arizona could be the next critical state, noting that 63% of voters nationwide favor a popular‑vote system.
Republican opposition
Republican lawmakers have blocked the bill from being heard in the legislature, arguing that the compact would undermine the Constitutionally‑mandated Electoral College system. They contend that each state should retain the right to determine its own method for selecting electors, a principle rooted in federalism and the original design of the presidential election process.
What lies ahead
The bill now faces a committee vote before it can reach the full Senate and House for consideration. If passed, it would be sent to Governor Hobbs for signature. While Democrats are confident the governor will sign the legislation, the outcome remains uncertain pending Republican resistance and the need to secure a majority in both chambers.
Implications for Arizona voters
Should Arizona join the compact, its 11 electoral votes would be pledged to the national popular‑vote winner once the 270‑vote threshold is met. Proponents argue this would ensure that every Arizonan’s vote carries equal weight in the presidential race, while opponents warn it could diminish the influence of smaller states and alter the balance of power established by the Electoral College.
As the debate continues, Arizona residents can expect further hearings and public testimony on the proposal in the coming weeks.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
