The argument is that recent Democratic victories in state elections have created a practical route to bypass the Electoral College without formally abolishing it. The system has allowed five presidents to take office despite losing the national popular vote, including two in the past three decades. Although abolishing it would require a constitutional amendment, states can choose how to appoint their presidential electors under Article II, giving them another way to change how those electors vote.
That alternative is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. States joining it pledge to award their electors to the winner of the nationwide popular vote, regardless of their own state’s result. The compact takes effect only when participating states represent at least 270 of the Electoral College’s 538 votes. It currently has 222, leaving 48 needed. New Democratic trifectas in Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania represent 50 electoral votes; Arizona would add 11. If the four states join, the compact could take effect in time for the 2028 election. The key obstacle is now political will, not arithmetic. Public opinion offers support: a poll found 56 percent favor a popular-vote system, 23 percent oppose it, and 21 percent are unsure.
Summary generated by AI from the linked article. hn.today is not affiliated with Hacker News or Y Combinator.
The EU’s new Return Regulation expands the grounds and duration for immigration detention, including for children, and increases deportations. Critics warn that surveillance-based alternatives and externalization measures extend coercive migration controls beyond detention centers. (statewatch.org)
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden says the PS6 should prioritize affordability over more processing power, arguing a $300 console would be real innovation. He says rising console prices are shutting out buyers and Sony should focus on making hardware smaller and cheaper. (gamesradar.com)
EyesRhythm is an offline desktop app that uses a webcam to track blink rate and regularity, then offers gentle reminders and practice exercises. It also tracks head movement to encourage neck breaks, while keeping video on the device. (eyesrhythm.com)
Satellite images show Iran building new facilities near the Garmdareh and Shahroud missile bases and repairing damage at at least 12 other military sites. The work follows months of US and Israeli air strikes, according to analysts who reviewed the images. (bbc.com)
Stunt Car Racer’s computer opponents use three spring-mounted wheels to follow the track and cannot fall off. Drivers share the same engine but differ in their habits and swerving frequency; the AI also adjusts its speed and position around the player. (gamesexplained.com)
GeoWorks was a graphical operating system for PC-compatible computers that competed with Microsoft Windows in the 1990s. It offered a desktop interface on relatively modest hardware but failed to gain broad adoption as Windows became dominant. (atlasobscura.com)
Today's best Hacker News stories, summarized and screenshotted, one email a day.