A Congressional Research Service report examines the National Popular Vote interstate compact, under which joining states pledge their electoral votes to the nationwide popular vote winner, and notes that 15 states and D.C. with 196 electoral votes had joined as of October 2019, short of the 270 needed. The report weighs claims from proponents and opponents—including whether the compact requires congressional consent or violates the Voting Rights Act—and expects litigation if it ever takes effect.