Since 2008 supporters in Maine have been trying to pass the National Popular Vote interstate compact. Sometimes with help from the organization behind it, aptly named “National Popular Vote.” In 2019 National Popular vote approached Jared for some help, they needed some grassroots work done for a few members who needed a little encouragement. Jared organized a half a dozen folks around the state to collect letters of support from these members’ constituents, ultimately successfully influencing every target to vote yes on the interstate compact. The effort was unsuccessful overall, but Jared’s work for the client left a lasting impression. When the bill was brought back the following session in 2021, NPV hired Jared to do a “Shermans March” through the entire House and Senate Democratic Caucuses. Jared either got commitments for a yes vote, scheduled a 30 minute meeting, or cultivated as champions every Democrat in the legislature. For broad political reasons, the effort was unsuccessful.
Building on the work they had done in the two previous sessions, Jared and the NPV team looked to capitalize on a few district shifts and swings in the 2023 legislative session. With much of the work already done, the focus shifted to new members and members with questions. This effort was successful, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact was made law in late spring of 2024.
During the legislative session in 2025, opponents of the NPV interstate compact filed four bills to repeal the law. This was the first time in any of the 16 states that have passed the compact, that an attempt at repeal was made. Ultimately, this required a full effort lobbying the House and Senate. This effort had the added difficulty of a double negative, the team was lobbying for members to vote against repealing the law. This nuance was easily overcome, however. 3 of the 4 repeal bills died in committee, while the 4th languished on the table in the senate for a number of days before being dispensed with. As a result of Jared and the teams work, the National Popular Vote interstate compact is law in Maine.
