Lansing Democrats are currently pushing for bills to enter Michigan into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. State Rep. Joseph Fox (R-Fremont) on Friday said the legislation would weaken the influence of Michigan voters in presidential elections.

“The bottom line is that the National Popular Vote Compact will disenfranchise the people of Michigan,” Fox said. “Under NPV, Michigan’s 15 electoral votes would go to whichever candidate wins the ‘popular vote’ nationally, even if Michigan voters overwhelmingly rejected that candidate.”

House Bills 4156 and 4440 would join Michigan to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. In order for the compact to take effect, 270 electoral votes’ worth of states need to sign on – a majority of the total 538 votes in the Electoral College. At present, states with 209 electoral votes support, and Michigan’s 15 votes would bring the sum closer to 270. Once the compact reaches the threshold, if Michigan joins, voters in other states would determine the outcome of Michigan’s electoral vote.

“The Electoral College created by our Founding Fathers gives every state a voice in presidential elections,” Fox said. “But with NPV, pretty much any state that’s not named New York or California becomes a flyover state, leaving suburban and rural voters ignored. Rural voters stand to lose the most; even if candidates come to Michigan for some reason, they’ll focus only on dense population hubs.  By pushing this compact, Michigan Democrats are undermining the voters of our state. I oppose this attempt to take away the voices of the people of Michigan.”

Fox represents Michigan House District 101, which includes Newaygo County and portions of Lake, Mason, Oceana, and Wexford counties.