Welshtaff's Blog

Electoral College

With the Presidential election coming up in November; I was wondering how many people know who actually votes for the president of the United States for those who don’t or those who have forgotten here is a few interesting facts:

The term Electoral College does not appear in the constitution. Alexander Hamilton refers to the process of selecting the Executive, and refers to the “people of each State (who) shall choose a number of persons as electors. But does not use the term “electoral college” In the early 1800’s, the term “electoral college” came into general usage as the unofficial designation for the group of citizens selected to cast votes for President and Vice President. It was first written into Federal Law in 1845.

The U.S Constitution contains very few provisions relating to the qualifications of electors.

Is my vote for President and Vice President meaningful in the Electoral College system?

 Yes, within your State your vote has a great deal of significance. Under the Electoral College system, we do not elect the President and Vice President through a direct nation-wide vote. The Presidential election is decided by the combined results of 51 State elections (including DC). It is possible that an elector could ignore the results of the popular vote, but that occurs very rarely. Your vote helps decide which candidate receives your States electoral votes.

What proposals have been made to change the Electoral College?

Reference sources indicate that over the past 200 years, over 700 proposals have been introduced in congress to reform or eliminate the Electoral College.

The American Bar Association has criticized the Electoral College as “archaic” and ambiguous” and it’s polling showed 69% of lawyers favoring abolishing it in 1987. But surveys of political scientists have supported continuation of the Electoral College. Public opinion polls have shown Americans favored abolishing it by majorities of 58% in 1967; 81% in 1968; and 75% in 1981.

Further reading and information can be obtained at

www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/
faq.html