Why is there an Electoral College

[synthesis2]

It started in the 1700's when people didn't have access to information and understanding as to what is going on with the canidates but with everything we have today to make a good informed decision, it simply dosent make any sense.

Examples: If you live in Texas and are a democrat your vote dosen't count

If you live in California and are a republican your vote dosen't count

I have never heard a good argument as to why a popular vote dosen't work in today's society.

If the majority of the people want one person but the electorial college says the other is the winner why is that right?

Look I really don't care who wins in the end with divided house/senate very little is going to happen, we all know that.

My rant is why we can't finally go to a vote that makes sense.

[BucEyedPea]

No it works. Jeezzaz the left vented their rage in 2000 against the Constitution too. Why so many haters for our Founding document?

[synthesis2]

We had slavery back then, that isn't the right thing, we have a popular vote for local officials, there is no reason we should not have one for the president

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by synthesis2

We had slavery back then, that isn't the right thing, we have a popular vote for local officials, there is no reason we should not have one for the president

The slavery issue is irrelevant. Your putting natural rights and a human right into the same category of thing which is an error of logic. They are not even remotely similar.

[Calcountry]

Originally Posted by synthesis2

We had slavery back then, that isn't the right thing, we have a popular vote for local officials, there is no reason we should not have one for the president

This is a very ignorant and uneducated post.

Try googling the term "Federalism". Start there.

[tiptap]

By your reasoning every vote for a losing candidate is wasted.

[synthesis2]

yes but at least if you are in texas and are a democrat and you vote you know that your vote is going to count toward the end result, where as it stands right now you get absolutly zero credit, vis versa in cailfornia

[whoman69]

Originally Posted by synthesis2

yes but at least if you are in texas and are a democrat and you vote you know that your vote is going to count toward the end result, where as it stands right now you get absolutly zero credit, vis versa in cailfornia

Just wait until 2016.

[whoman69]

The electoral college is in place to give smaller states a larger say in electing the President. Its also in place to protect against a regional candidate gaining power. Its also in place to make certain there is a mandate for winning candidate even if their margin is a small one.

While I agree the winner take all part is unfair and non-representative, a better system is in place in Nebraska and Maine where each congressional district vote is up for grabs. I think it would put more of the country in play and have more people vote knowing their vote can now make a difference.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by whoman69

The electoral college is in place to give smaller states a larger say in electing the President. Its also in place to protect against a regional candidate gaining power. Its also in place to make certain there is a mandate for winning candidate even if their margin is a small one.

While I agree the winner take all part is unfair and non-representative, a better system is in place in Nebraska and Maine where each congressional district vote is up for grabs. I think it would put more of the country in play and have more people vote knowing their vote can now make a difference.

I just don't get those arguments for it anymore? There are no more regional candidates in today's modern world with Internet, 24/7 news cycles, talk radio etc.....people have access to an overwhelming amount of info. No matter where you live, rural or big city.
I know it will,never happen because too many people are for the status quo, but a direct election where every vote truly does matter just makes the most sense in today's world.

I would be all for ditching the winner takes all system as well. The system as it stands now is stupid.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by whoman69

The electoral college is in place to give smaller states a larger say in electing the President. Its also in place to protect against a regional candidate gaining power. Its also in place to make certain there is a mandate for winning candidate even if their margin is a small one.

While I agree the winner take all part is unfair and non-representative, a better system is in place in Nebraska and Maine where each congressional district vote is up for grabs. I think it would put more of the country in play and have more people vote knowing their vote can now make a difference.

While I agree with the reasons for the electoral college in the first place, I disagree with the necessity now outside of the logistics. Every vote should count and I would much rather have individual votes determine the outcome of an election then pockets of party concentrated areas. However, I don't feel now there is a way to do that effectively and efficiently. There are still problems with voting machines, ballots, and I couldn't even begin to imagine the master cluster **** that would come with a close race/recount.

[tiptap]

We see similar affects in Congressional redistricting by state governments.

[Deberg_1990]

I dont understand why there isnt more of a push to abolish it? Especially since 2000 and the POTUS elections being so close.


I agree, its pointless. Theres this myth out there that a direct election would force the candidates to concentrate on only big cities, but how is that any different than what we have now where they only campaign in like 7 or 8 swing states? IN fact, id argue that the EC makes alot of voters stay home and not care, if they know their vote doesnt matter.

Ill take an election process with a TRUE "Every Vote Counts" any day of the week.

The Electoral College is a Joke.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

I dont understand why there isnt more of a push to abolish it? Especially since 2000 and the POTUS elections being so close.


I agree, its pointless. Theres this myth out there that a direct election would force the candidates to concentrate on only big cities, but how is that any different than what we have now where they only campaign in like 7 or 8 swing states? IN fact, id argue that the EC makes alot of voters stay home and not care, if they know their vote doesnt matter.

Ill take an election process with a TRUE "Every Vote Counts" any day of the week.

The Electoral College is a Joke.

Become a swing state. Stop voting for a single party every single time.

[Cannibal]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

I dont understand why there isnt more of a push to abolish it? Especially since 2000 and the POTUS elections being so close.


I agree, its pointless. Theres this myth out there that a direct election would force the candidates to concentrate on only big cities, but how is that any different than what we have now where they only campaign in like 7 or 8 swing states? IN fact, id argue that the EC makes alot of voters stay home and not care, if they know their vote doesnt matter.

Ill take an election process with a TRUE "Every Vote Counts" any day of the week.

The Electoral College is a Joke.

Agreed