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Exploring the origins, functions, and controversies of the Electoral College system in the U.S. history. Discusses issues, reforms, and potential changes to the present structure.
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The Electoral College Who? What? Why? Problems?
Why • Giving the power to Congress would destroy the separation of powers. • Most of the Constitutional Delegates opposed direct election of the President by voters at large.
Original Plan • Each state is to choose a group of electors as directed by the state legislature. • The number of electors are based on the number of Senate and House seats. • No elector can be a member of Congress or hold any federal office.
Original Plan (cont.) • Members were to meet in their own state. • Each elector would vote for two candidates. • Results were sealed to be opened by VP before a joint session of Congress. • Candidate receiving the majority would be President. • Candidate that is second would become VP.
Original Plan (cont.) • In case of a tie • The House of Representatives chooses the President. • Each state would cast one vote, winner needed a majority.
Election of 1800 • Ended in a tie. • Election went to the House • Alexander Hamilton persuaded enough member to elect Jefferson President, because He did not like Aaron Burr. • Led to passage of 12th Amendment.
12th Amendment • Required electors to cast separate ballots for President and Vice President.
Electoral College Today • Electors are elected every for years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November (Presidential Election day). • In ¾ of the state the Electors names don’t appear on the ballot. • In these states it is assumed that a vote for presidential candidate is assumed to be vote for corresponding elector.
Choosing Electors • The Constitution does not specify how electors are to be nominated. • Since 1800 parties have chosen them. • Voters cast ballots, each state then decides how the electoral vote is distributed. • All except Nebraska, and Maine award electors on “winner takes all” basis.
Today (cont.) • The President is not technically elected until the first Monday following the second Wednesday in December. • Electors meet in their state capitols to sign and send ballots. • 538 Total Electoral Votes. • 270 Electoral Votes needed to be President.
Problems • Violates the “one person, one vote” principle. • Can result in election of a President who loses the popular vote. • Can result in a switch of a few thousand votes changing an elections results. • Electors not legally bound to cast vote for states popular vote.
Reforms • Proportional vote plan. • Popular vote and Electoral vote are equal. • Electoral vote given in proportion to number of popular vote. • Does not balance the votes of small and large states.
Reforms (cont.) • District vote plan. • Electoral votes determined by congressional districts. • Used in Maine • Candidate with majority of electoral votes nationwide would become President. • Still allows for election of a President who has not won the popular vote. • Might increase temptation to gerrymander.
Reform (cont.) • Direct vote plan. • Most popular vote to replace the electoral college vote. • It is simple to understand. • It treats every vote equally • Presidential Candidates would be encouraged to campaign in all states. • Person with majority of popular vote wins.
Reform (cont.) • Direct vote plan. • Would encourage third party candidates. • Chances of a winning candidate getting the majority decreases. Any change in the Electoral College System requires an amendment.
