Why Some Believe the Electoral College Should Be Abolished
Since the founding of the United States, the Electoral College has been the method by which the President of the United States is elected. While it was created to balance the power of populous states with less populous ones, many Americans believe that it no longer serves the needs or desires of the people. In this article, we explore the reasons why some people believe that the Electoral College should be abolished.
The Electoral College Doesn't Represent the Popular Vote
One of the most significant issues with the Electoral College is that it doesn't always represent the will of the people. As we've seen in two of the last five presidential elections, the candidate who wins the popular vote doesn't always win the election. This is because the Electoral College is made up of electors, who cast their votes for the presidential candidate who won the most votes in their state. This can lead to situations where the candidate who has the most overall votes doesn't win the election, which some people believe is undemocratic.
The Electoral College Gives Some States More Power Than Others
Another issue with the Electoral College is that it gives some states more power than others. This isn't simply a matter of population size, but it has to do with how many electors each state is allotted. This means that some states have more electors per person than others. For example, Wyoming, the least populated state, has three electors, which means that each elector represents approximately 193,000 people. California, on the other hand, has 55 electors, which means that each elector represents approximately 715,000 people. This disparity in representation has led some people to believe that the Electoral College gives too much power to some states and not enough to others.
The Electoral College Discourages Voter Turnout in Certain States
Another issue with the Electoral College is that it encourages candidates to focus on states that are considered swing states, or states where the outcome of the election is uncertain. This means that candidates may not focus on states where the outcome of the election is predictable, which can lead to lower voter turnout in these states. Some people believe that this is undemocratic because it means that some people's votes are considered more valuable than others depending on where they live.
The Electoral College Is Prone to Controversy and Misinformation
Finally, the Electoral College is prone to controversy and misinformation. The election process is complex, and it can be challenging for people to understand how it works. This can lead to misinformation and confusion about how the election is conducted. Additionally, the Electoral College can potentially lead to situations where the election is contested, as we saw in the 2000 Presidential Election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Some people believe that an election based on the popular vote would be clearer and more transparent than an election based on the Electoral College.
- In Conclusion
- There are many reasons why some people believe that the Electoral College needs to be abolished. Whether it's the fact that it doesn't always represent the popular vote, gives some states more power than others, discourages voter turnout, or is prone to controversy, the Electoral College has its flaws.
- While there are arguments to be made for the Electoral College as well, it's important to consider all sides of the issue. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to abolish the Electoral College rests with the American people and their elected representatives.
In conclusion, it's clear that the Electoral College has its flaws, and many people believe that it no longer serves the needs or desires of the American people. As we move forward, it's essential that we continue to have discussions and debates about the Electoral College and the future of our democracy. By doing so, we can ensure that the voices of all Americans are heard and that our democracy continues to thrive.