AP | Apr. 28, 2009

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington state will join a compact with other states to cast its presidential electoral votes for the national popular vote winner.

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed the bill Tuesday, but it doesn't take effect until enough states sign on to account for 270 electoral votes - the number it takes to win the White House. Washington has 11 electoral votes.

The compact has been ratified in Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey and is moving ahead in several other states.

The loser of the popular vote has won the Electoral College and become president four times, most recently in 2000, when George W. Bush defeated Al Gore.

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The popular vote bill is Senate Bill 5599.

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On the Net:

Washington state Legislature: http://www.leg.wa.gov