A concurrent resolution to support the electoral college, denounce the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, and invite interested states to form the Electoral College Interstate Compact.
Summary
SCR 4013 is a concurrent resolution expressing North Dakota’s support for the Electoral College and opposition to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC). The resolution states that the Electoral College protects state sovereignty, balances rural and urban interests, and better reflects the federal structure of presidential elections. It also asserts that the NPVIC may be unconstitutional and could weaken the role of individual states in selecting the President.
The resolution goes beyond a statement of support by inviting North Dakota and other interested states to form an “Electoral College Interstate Compact.” Under the proposed compact, participating states would agree not to require their electors to vote according to the national popular vote and would commit to legally challenging the NPVIC’s constitutionality. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send copies to specified state officials in a large list of other states, signaling an effort to build interstate support.
Impact
SCR 4013 does not amend the North Dakota Century Code or create enforceable state law; it is a nonbinding concurrent resolution. Its practical effect is to declare legislative policy, encourage other states to reject the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, and lay out a proposed framework for a counter-compact among states that want to preserve the existing Electoral College system. The resolution may influence interstate advocacy and future legislative or legal efforts, but it does not itself change how North Dakota allocates its presidential electors.
Sentiment
The available vote history suggests the resolution had broad support in the House, passing second reading 82-11. The text and vote pattern indicate a generally favorable sentiment among supporters of the Electoral College, with the measure framed as a defense of state power and constitutional structure. No committee transcript is available, but the recorded vote suggests the resolution was not especially controversial within the chamber, even though a minority opposed it.
Contention
The main point of contention is the broader debate over presidential election reform: supporters of SCR 4013 favor the Electoral College and argue that the NPVIC undermines state influence and could trigger nationwide recounts, while opponents likely view the compact as a path toward a national popular vote and a more direct expression of voter preference. A second dispute is constitutional, with the resolution asserting that the NPVIC may violate the U.S. Constitution’s Compact Clause and the Electoral College provisions. The proposed counter-compact is also potentially contentious because it would coordinate state action to resist the NPVIC and could invite litigation.