Originally published April 15, 2009 at 10:19 PM | Page modified April 16, 2009 at 9:15 AM

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Legislature OKs popular vote bill

Washington could enter a compact with other states to cast its 11 presidential electoral votes for the national popular vote winner, under a measure approved by the Legislature. The House passed the bill on a 52-42 vote Wednesday night. It now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has expressed support for the measure.

By The Associated Press

More information on Senate Bill 5599

OLYMPIA — Washington could enter a compact with other states to cast its 11 presidential electoral votes for the national popular vote winner, under a measure approved by the Legislature.

The House passed the bill on a 52-42 vote Wednesday night. It now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has expressed support for the measure.

The compact has been ratified in Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey and is moving ahead in several other states. It wouldn't take effect until enough states sign on to account for 270 electoral votes — the number it takes to win the White House.

The loser of the popular vote has won the Electoral College and become president four times, most recently in 2000, when George W. Bush defeated Al Gore.

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Comments (37)

I see two major problems with this. One: it has the potential to disenfranchise Washington voters. If we vote heavily for a Democratic... Posted on April 16, 2009 at 8:37 AM by Everyman5. Jump to comment

The founding fathers had a lot less 'self interest' than today's politions Posted on April 16, 2009 at 9:41 AM by becida. Jump to comment

We are a republic, first and foremost. How does taking Washington votes and co-mingling with other states help washington or the other states? ... Posted on April 16, 2009 at 9:17 AM by Lockejaw. Jump to comment

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