Understanding the Electoral College: How It Works and Its Impact on Presidential Elections

The U.S. presidential election process is a complex one that involves both the popular vote and the electoral vote. This article aims to explain the intricacies of the Electoral College, how it works, and its impact on the outcome of presidential elections.

What Are Electoral Votes?

Each state in the United States receives a number of electoral votes based on its combined number of US Senators and US Representatives. The number of Senators is always two, as every state is entitled to two, while the number of Representatives is determined by the state's population. This means that even a small state like Wyoming, with just one member in the House of Representatives, gets three electoral votes (two Senators one Representative).

How Does the Electoral College Work?

It's the votes of these electors, not the popular vote, that ultimately select the president. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Electoral Votes Allocation

The formula for allocating electoral votes is as follows:

Senators: Every state has two Senators. Representatives: Based on population, each state has a certain number of Representatives. Total: A state's electoral votes Senators Representatives.

Example: Wyoming and Washington DC

Wyoming, as mentioned, has one Representative and two Senators, totaling three electoral votes. Similarly, the District of Columbia, which does not have voting members in Congress, gets the same number of electoral votes as the smallest state (three).

Selecting Electors

Each state has its own laws regarding how electors are chosen and how they are to vote. The electors typically represent a political party and are chosen by that party's state organizations. On Election Day, voters in each state select their state's electors, and these electors then gather to officially cast their votes for president.

How Voting Works in the Electoral College

Electors have a legal obligation to cast their votes for the candidate who won the majority of the popular vote in their state. This is known as the 'winner-takes-all' system, although Maine and Nebraska allocate their electoral votes differently, splitting them based on the popular vote within their congressional districts.

For example, in a scenario where a state has 10 electoral votes, if a candidate receives 60% of the popular vote they would receive all 10 electoral votes, while the opposition candidate would receive none, even if they had 40% of the popular vote.

What Happens if No Candidate Gets a Majority in the Electoral College?

If no candidate wins a majority of the electoral votes, the election is decided by the House of Representatives, with each state delegation getting one vote. The process is governed by the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that the House of Representatives has the sole power to choose the president if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes.

The Evolution of the Electoral College System

The founders of the United States established the Electoral College with the belief that the popular vote might be influenced by uneducated rural voters. They aimed to create a system where electors, chosen by the people but with a degree of detached responsibility, would decide the president. However, over time this system has evolved to a point where electors almost always mirror the popular vote of their state.

Skew in the Electoral College

Despite this, the number of electoral votes assigned to states is not proportional to their population. Small states receive a disproportionately large number of electoral votes per capita. For instance, a state like Wyoming, with a smaller population, has the same voting power in the Electoral College as larger states like California. This can lead to distortions in the democratic process, where the voices of voters in different states have different levels of influence.

Reforming the Electoral College

There are ongoing efforts to reform the Electoral College system. One of the main arguments for reform is to ensure that the outcome most accurately reflects the will of the people. Reforms could include:

Moving to a direct popular vote system. Revising the way electoral votes are allocated to ensure a fairer representation of population. Implementing a uniform method for elector selection and vote counting.

For detailed insights into these efforts and more information, consider the presentation 'Electoral College Presentation 8-2020 Full.pdf' from those advocating for reform.

Conclusion

The Electoral College is a complex system that plays a crucial role in U.S. presidential elections. Understanding how it works, its impact on election outcomes, and the ongoing debates surrounding its reform provides valuable insight into the democratic process in the United States.