The winner-take-all method of awarding electoral votes was used by only three states in the nation’s first presidential election in 1789 (and repealed by all three by 1800). It was never debated at the Constitutional Convention, and never mentioned in the Federalist Papers. It did not become predominant until 1880 — almost a century after the U.S. Constitution was written.

Under the National Popular Vote bill, the national popular vote winner will receive all the electoral votes from the enacting states. The bill will take effect when enacted by states possessing a majority of the electoral votes — enough to elect a president (270 of 538). Then, when the Electoral College meets in mid-December, the national popular vote winner will become president because the enacting states will represent at least 270 electoral votes. Thus, the Electoral College will represent the will of the voters in all 50 states (and DC).

— Jacqueline Barr

Salisbury