Electoral College – Problems and Reforms

Problem #1-Popular vote winner can lose the election

Reform? Abolish EC and have a nationwide election to elect the President (popular vote)

Problem #2 -States with small populations are overrepresented

Reform? EVs given to each state based entirely on population only (none for Senate)

Problem #3 -Winner-Take-All method ignores losing voters

Reform? EV’s awarded according to the proportions of the popular vote in each state

Problem #4 – “Faithless electors”

Reform? – Require all electors to vote for the popular vote winner in their state

Hands = visit by Bush or Kerry

Dollar = $1 million spent on TV commercials

**Notice the states that were visited the most, and had the most money spent for TV time

• Another issue would be that candidates can avoid “safe” states that they “know” they will win or lose..