Virginia just became the 18th state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact — an agreement that would guarantee the presidency to the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide. With Virginia on board, the compact now represents 222 of the 270 electoral votes needed to take effect. Michigan's 15 electoral votes could be the difference that makes this a reality before the next presidential election.

Right now, four out of five Americans live in states that presidential candidates largely ignore. Campaigns pour their time and money into a handful of battleground states, while voters in the rest of the country — whether solidly red or solidly blue — are treated as afterthoughts. That includes millions of Michigan residents whose voices deserve to matter just as much as a voter in Pennsylvania or Wisconsin.

Michigan lawmakers have the power to change that. The National Popular Vote bill has already advanced through the Michigan House Elections Committee. The legislature has a Democratic majority. There is no procedural barrier — only political will.

Supporters of the compact include both Democratic and Republican strategists who argue that every voter in every precinct should be politically relevant in a presidential race — not just those in a handful of swing-state counties. When candidates are forced to earn votes everywhere, they have to speak to everyone.

We urge the Michigan Legislature to pass the National Popular Vote bill now. Virginia just acted. Minnesota is already a member. Michigan should be next.