The Electoral College: An Imperfect System in Need of Reform

 

 

The Electoral College: An Imperfect System in Need of Reform

Introduction

The Electoral College is a unique and complex system that plays a crucial role in the election of the President of the United States. Established by the Founding Fathers as a compromise between electing the President by popular vote and through Congress, the Electoral College has been a topic of debate and scrutiny for many years. In this essay, we will explore how the Electoral College functions, discuss the basis for each state’s representation in the Electoral College, examine two differing perspectives on the Electoral College, and ultimately argue in favor of its reform.

The Functioning of the Electoral College

The Electoral College is composed of 538 electors who are responsible for electing the President of the United States. Each state is allocated a number of electors equal to its total number of Senators and Representatives in Congress. The District of Columbia is also granted three electors. To secure the presidency, a candidate must obtain an absolute majority of 270 electoral votes.

The process begins with the selection of electors by political parties within each state. In most states, the candidate who receives the most popular votes in the state wins all of that state’s electoral votes. However, some states employ a proportional system, whereby electoral votes are distributed according to the proportion of popular votes received. Once the electors are chosen, they cast their votes on the Monday following the second Wednesday in December. These votes are then sent to Congress for counting on January 6th, and the candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes is declared the President-elect.

Basis for State Representation in the Electoral College

The basis for each state’s representation in the Electoral College stems from the allocation of Senators and Representatives in Congress. Every state has two Senators, regardless of population size. The number of Representatives, however, is determined by each state’s population. This combination ensures that both small and large states have representation in the Electoral College.

While this system attempts to maintain a balance between states, it has drawn criticism for favoring smaller states. Due to the minimum allocation of two Senators per state, less populous states are overrepresented in the Electoral College compared to their share of the national population. This discrepancy can result in a situation where a candidate can win the presidency by securing a majority of electoral votes while losing the popular vote.

Differing Perspectives on the Electoral College

There are two primary perspectives on the Electoral College: those who advocate for its preservation and those who argue for its abolition. Supporters of the Electoral College emphasize its role in balancing power between small and large states. They argue that it protects less populated regions from being overshadowed by heavily populated urban areas. Additionally, supporters contend that it fosters stability and prevents hasty decisions based solely on popular opinion.

On the other hand, critics argue that the Electoral College is an outdated system that undermines the principle of one person, one vote. They contend that it leads to the neglect of certain states and diminishes voter turnout since individuals feel their vote may not count. Furthermore, critics assert that it can produce results where a candidate wins the presidency without obtaining the popular vote.

One potential solution to address these concerns is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC). The NPVIC is an agreement among states to award all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote. It would effectively bypass the Electoral College without necessitating a constitutional amendment. Currently, fifteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation to join the compact, totaling 196 electoral votes.

Argument for Reform

While both perspectives on the Electoral College have valid points, it is clear that reform is necessary to create a fairer and more representative system. The NPVIC provides an avenue for achieving this reform without dismantling the entire framework established by the Founding Fathers.

By adopting the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, we can ensure that every vote counts equally and that candidates must appeal to voters across all states, regardless of their size or geographic location. This would eliminate situations where candidates focus solely on swing states while neglecting others. Furthermore, it would provide an incentive for increased voter turnout, as individuals would have confidence in knowing that their vote has a direct impact on determining the outcome of presidential elections.

In conclusion, while the Electoral College has served as a fundamental aspect of American democracy for over two centuries, it is evident that reform is necessary. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact offers a promising solution that upholds democratic principles by ensuring that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight. By embracing this reform, we can move closer to a more equitable and representative system for electing our nation’s leaders.