Re: Why do we still have the Electoral College?

[JoshuaSPeek]

If the Electoral College was removed, Prez candidates would concentrate on NY, LA, and Chicago votes - thats it. Everyone else, kiss your influence goodbye! The system was designed for a reason, do some research on your own, dont listen to these loons. We are a Republic, NOT a Democracy. Look into the difference.

[gotitans999]

@JoshuaSPeek The three cities you mentioned account for 2% of Americans. Doesn't that debunk your argument?

[mvymvymvy]

In 2008, candidates concentrated over 2/3rds of their campaign events and ad money in just 6 states, and 98% in just 15 states. The National Popular Vote bill would guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states.

Every vote, everywhere, would be politically relevant and equal in presidential elections. Candidates would need to care about voters across the nation, not just undecided voters in a handful of swing states.

NationalPopularVote

[mvymvymvy]

In 1789, only 3 states used the winner-take-all rule (awarding all of a state's electoral vote to the candidate who gets the most votes in the state). However, as a result of changes in state laws, the winner-take-all rule is now currently used by 48 of the 50 states. The fact that Maine and Nebraska do not use the winner-take-all rule is a reminder that the Constitution left the matter of awarding electoral votes to the states. The Constitution does not include the winner-take-all rule.

[halogod666]

actually, electoral college is still here for the same reason. people are too dumb to vote regardless.

[unclejay1000]

A major setback to our "democracy" was when a few elections ago that 3rd Parties were no longer alowed on the televised Presidental debates !!! This gives the 2 party system a huge advantage and any other oposing party are now unable to do a face to face with them.

[KenMacMillan]

Giving the education level of the country I think the Electoral College is still important. It's more important that we get well educated & well informed Constitutionalists as Electors.

[tito2k]

@KenMacMillan - Ken, your note should say "Given", not "Giving." Perhaps you should hone your writing skills before waxing poetic about our education level. Though I must say your poor grammar is a great demostration of just how lackluster our education system has become.

Tito

[KenMacMillan]

I've been out of school for a decade. When I was there I didn't care & nobody really pushed me so yeah, I guess I'm a product of our decaying educational system. I do say given & not giving when a sentence like that comes up in conversation. It just didn't look right in type. I'm still right about the Electoral College.

[gwpyt]

Why does McCain win the popular vote, but doesn't get the electoral vote. What is wrong here?

[Lucario1856]

unfortunately, McCain did not win the popular vote either. I think he had 46 or 47% of the popular vote.

[michaelsiewert]

Where were you 8 and 4 years ago?!

[spiderwebb33]

lol McCain lost the popular vote :)

[DawnAkemi]

It's amazing how long out-dated notions and systems continue to control how we live... time to get rid of this 200 year old relic.

[adrenalinejunkie436]

Yes it would be a popularity contest. Most people dont even pay close attention to elections, and are too stupid or arrogant to make the right choice.

[IWasBored12]

If we get rid of the electoral college, the election would become a popularity contest. Who's most popular might not be the best (or the better of two evils at least) for our country. Hitler was immensely popular in Germany. Another example is Fahrenheit 451, where everyone voted for somebody because they were more attractive.

[macarion]

HOW IS WHAT HE HAVE RIGHT NOW NOT A MOTHERFUCKING POPULARlTY CONTEST?

[zinzeta]

What? No way, man.  There're people in the electoral college just as biased as the average citizen.