Why Abolish the Electoral College?

The electoral college system in the United States has long been a subject of debate, with proponents and critics offering various arguments. This article explores the core reasons why some advocate for the abolition of the electoral college, focusing on its inconsistency with the fundamental principle of 'one person one vote,' its impact on election distortions, and its potential for electoral manipulation.

Lack of Representative Proportionality

One of the primary criticisms of the electoral college is its structure, which makes it inefficient and unfair. As mentioned, the United States House of Representatives is capped at 435 members, and each state is entitled to at least one representative. This means that states with larger populations like California and New York have multiples of congressional districts—each represented by a single member, whereas smaller states have only one. The electoral college system exacerbates this imbalance. A President is elected based on a 'winner-takes-all' system in most states, where the candidate winning the most popular votes in a state gets all of that state's electoral votes. This all or nothing allocation effectively undermines the 'one person one vote' principle, as a candidate can win the presidency without winning the popular vote. Nebraska and Maine have partly mitigated this by distributing their electoral votes proportionally, but still, this is an exception rather than the rule.

Powers and Corruption

The electoral college also allows those in power to manipulate the election process. Politicians and powerful figures often seek to consolidate their power by concentrating their efforts in a few major cities. This can effectively marginalize voters from rural areas and small towns. The system thus gives disproportionate influence to urban centers, which might not necessarily reflect the broader will of the country. Critics argue that the electoral college can enable different and sometimes corrupt political tactics, leading to elections where urban and rural votes are not equally valued. As some argue, this distorts the democratic spirit and can lead to inequities in representation.

Election Distortions and Electoral Manipulation

The electoral college system has historically produced some counterintuitive outcomes. The core issue is its use of the 'winner-takes-all' approach, which can result in substantial distortions. For instance, the electoral college has not always provided a better outcome—the system has occasional failures. As mentioned, the presidential candidate who prevailed in the popular vote in a state received all of that state's electoral votes, leading to the winner-takes-all phenomenon. In some states, this means that the voice of the minority may be completely disregarded. In the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush won even though Al Gore had the winning popular vote in the state of Florida and other states. This highlights the potential for the electoral college to significantly alter the course of an election, often in ways that do not align with the general populace's aspirations.

Appeal to Democratic Ideals

Abolishing the electoral college aligns with democratic ideals, specifically the concept of 'one person one vote,' where each citizen's vote carries the same weight. This principle mandates that electoral representation should be proportional, meaning that each vote should count equally, regardless of where the voter resides. A switch to a direct popular vote would ensure that the candidate with the majority of the popular vote wins the presidency, which is consistent with the democratic principle of majority rule. It would also simplify the electoral process, making it more straightforward and fair. The idea that a system that contradicts 'one person one vote' should be maintained is seen by many as irrational, especially for those who adhere to the foundational principles of democracy.

Conclusion

Overall, the electoral college system is increasingly seen as an outdated and problematic tool for electing the President of the United States. The lack of proportional representation, potential for manipulation, and failure to adhere to the 'one person one vote' principle make it a system in need of reform. Advocating for the abolition of the electoral college is a call for a more democratic and fair presidential election process, one that aligns with modern standards of representation and equality.