Saturday, November 15, 2008

What about the electoral college?

I completely understand where many people's concerns stem regarding the electoral college. I know that for the longest time I was very skeptical myself of this system. At first glance having a select few American's vote being the deciding factor for the presidential elections seems unfair. "Does my vote carry any weight?"

Yes, it does.

What people fail to realize is that the electoral college consists of persons WE have elected in the first place. Therefore, if we choose them shouldn't they have the same political ideals as us? There isn't much stipulation as to who can be nominated except for three things: they cannot be a member of Congress, cannot be a high ranking US official, or has rebelled against the US. That sounds fair to me.

Not only that but most states have a "winner-takes-all" mentality when it comes to the presidential elections. So, normally the candidate that wins the popular vote will also win all the electoral votes of that state. Plus, most states highly discourage electors to vote outside their claimed party. "Faithless Electors" can not only possibly lose their electoral seat, but some states can charge them hefty fines and misdemeanors.

So, even though I may agree that the electoral system is flawed (like most things man made) knowing how it works sets my mind at ease.

I still feel like I have a voice.

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