Democratic gains in state legislatures and governor’s offices could put the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact within reach of the threshold needed to change how presidential electors are assigned. Under the compact, participating states pledge to give all their electoral votes to the winner of the nationwide popular vote, preventing a candidate from winning the presidency while losing that vote. Nineteen states have already joined, representing 222 electoral votes. Democrats’ victories in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Nevada could add those states; if all five sign on, participating states would control 283 electoral votes, more than the 270 needed to elect a president.
That outcome depends on whether the new Democratic governments make the compact a priority. Michigan Democrats did not pass it when they controlled the state government in 2023-24, and Nevada’s governor vetoed it in 2019, arguing that it would diminish the state’s influence. The compact also faces an unresolved constitutional question: states may choose how to appoint electors, but the Constitution bars interstate agreements without congressional consent. Democrats’ takeover of Congress could help secure approval, yet they lack the 60 Senate votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Republicans are expected to resist a change that would effectively neutralize the Electoral College, which has benefited Republican presidential candidates who lost the popular vote.
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.