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The Electoral College: Why does it exist? Should we keep it?

Our virtual Public Square was a dynamic discussion on the Electoral College. Those who may not have been able to join the conversation live can watch it now and find additional resources below.

  • Our concluding poll showed more than 20 percent of participants changed their minds about the Electoral College.
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Answers to Questions in the Chat

Changing the Electoral College would require a constitutional amendment, which is a difficult and lengthy process. First, an amendment must be proposed, either by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. The proposed amendment then needs to be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states. This high threshold makes changing the Electoral College a significant challenge, as it requires widespread support across the political spectrum and among various states.
The National Popular Vote Plan (NPV) is an agreement among participating states to award all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote, regardless of who wins in each individual state. If enough states join this compact to control a majority of the electoral votes (270 or more), it would effectively ensure that the candidate who wins the popular vote becomes president. This would address some criticisms of the Electoral College by making every vote count equally, reducing the emphasis on swing states, and potentially increasing voter turnout. However, it would not eliminate the Electoral College itself, as the existing constitutional framework would remain intact.
While there may be fears, advancements in technology can also provide opportunities to enhance security and build public trust in the electoral system. These concerns apply to both the current Electoral College system and a potential switch to a national popular vote. Ensuring election security requires robust safeguards, such as secure voting machines, transparent vote counting processes, regular audits, and strict cybersecurity measures.
The Supreme Court's response to an attempt to eliminate the Electoral College would likely focus on constitutional interpretation and the legality of the process used to change it. Given the Court’s role in interpreting the Constitution, justices would consider whether any change aligns with the document's original intent and structure. While individual justices' perspectives could influence their decisions, the Court's primary concern would be the legality of the amendment process and its adherence to constitutional principles, rather than the political implications of such a change.
To encourage a non-voter to participate, emphasize that every vote counts in shaping the country’s future. While the Electoral College can seem to diminish the impact of individual votes, especially in non-swing states, elections still determine key local, state, and national positions and policies. Voting is a crucial way to voice your opinion and influence decisions that affect your life and community. Additionally, increased voter turnout can lead to more representative and responsive governance, strengthening the democratic process overall.

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