I didn't vote for either Gore or Bush last election (I typically vote Libertarian) but I support a straight up popular vote.

So what if smaller states don't have as much pull in a popular vote presidential election - "states" shouldn't be electing the president - the people should - *regardless of what state they live in*

The electoral college fails in representing the wishes of all voters in some states. For example - Western Washington is quite liberal and more populous than Eastern Washington. All of the folks who voted for Bush in Eastern Washington in the last election had their vote eradicated by the more populous western vote. In a popular vote election - ALL the votes would have counted.

An alternative might be to assign electoral college votes as a percentage of the popular vote instead of the current "winner take all" system.

That way - the nation as a whole elects the national leaders - and states still hold elections for their own elected officials.

Can those of you who support the electoral college tell me why it is better than the popular vote?

 

Each state is an independent entity. Each entity is entitled to significant representation.

The electoral college system was created so that the "little guy" would still have a voice.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Reflexx
Each state is an independent entity.

 

Each state is like a mini-nation with its own set of laws and needs. The US wasn't set up to be one big uniform country. We live in separate states that have their own priorities. As a nation, we need to give each one of those states a fair shake when electing someone that will have as much power as the president.

 

all bush did was made me lose my job. yes it was bush's fault not the economy's. i used to work for the education district until budget cuts appeared

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lig
I didn't vote for either Gore or Bush last election (I typically vote Libertarian)

 

I'd lay blame on Davis first then perhaps Schwartzenegger. Depends on when you were laid off. The California State University system is in an uproar right now (dunno about UC) with student tuition hikes (20% increase this fall over another 20% increase last fall).

 

the electoral college is a result of the merging of the New Jersey plan and the Virginia plan. It is designed to place equal emphasis on both popular vote and each state's contribution to national politics.

the system works well. a straight popular vote would not be fair to those in less populous states. it would not be fair or just if the wierdos on the "left coast" were dictating presidential politics to the state of Illinois simply because they have fewer people but similar population density. Populaton can be helped, but borders cannot.

 

I think most ppl in our country honestly aren't smart or educated enough to make a good decision, especially when choosing our counrty's leader. Especially when you add in all the spin that the media and education system put on issues and candidates.

I say continue using a system that has worked for over 200 years, and leave it up to ppl (who we pick), who's job it is to pay attention to issues. Basically, leave the politics up to the polititians, and if you don't like what's going on, elect someone else.

 

No. Electorial is flawed.