Why is there an Electoral College

[synthesis2]

It started in the 1700's when people didn't have access to information and understanding as to what is going on with the canidates but with everything we have today to make a good informed decision, it simply dosent make any sense.

Examples: If you live in Texas and are a democrat your vote dosen't count

If you live in California and are a republican your vote dosen't count

I have never heard a good argument as to why a popular vote dosen't work in today's society.

If the majority of the people want one person but the electorial college says the other is the winner why is that right?

Look I really don't care who wins in the end with divided house/senate very little is going to happen, we all know that.

My rant is why we can't finally go to a vote that makes sense.

[whoman69]

Originally Posted by Calcountry

There are many reasons for keeping it, not the least of which is, how easy would it be for the Chicago and California machines to manufacture votes to offset the few thousand votes of concerned North Dakotan's about their own sovereign interests in their own state?

Good points. I can't believe Republicans want to do away with states rights. The electoral college makes this an election of 50 states and the District of Columbia. A popular vote would silence the voice of individual states.

[mlyonsd]

Originally Posted by Calcountry

There are many reasons for keeping it, not the least of which is, how easy would it be for the Chicago and California machines to manufacture votes to offset the few thousand votes of concerned North Dakotan's about their own sovereign interests in their own state?

Pretty much Duh.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

It just goes to show you that freaking over Citizen's United was wasted energy.

It does not show that. If Romney wouldn't have been such a weak candidate then it would have been a different story.

[DaFace]

I honestly don't think it will change in our lifetimes, but I agree that it's pretty pointless anymore.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by whoman69

Good points. I can't believe Republicans want to do away with states rights. The electoral college makes this an election of 50 states and the District of Columbia. A popular vote would silence the voice of individual states.

Yeah, plus it relates to a president's Constitutional role. That branch represents the country as a whole unit, not just the big cities or the people. The latter is what reps in the House are for. The president's powers deal with the country more as a whole nation—ambassadors, treaties, foreign policy etc. Presidents are not even supposed to craft legislation. That was left to the congress.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by whoman69

The electoral college is in place to give smaller states a larger say in electing the President. Its also in place to protect against a regional candidate gaining power. Its also in place to make certain there is a mandate for winning candidate even if their margin is a small one.

While I agree the winner take all part is unfair and non-representative, a better system is in place in Nebraska and Maine where each congressional district vote is up for grabs. I think it would put more of the country in play and have more people vote knowing their vote can now make a difference.

While I agree with the reasons for the electoral college in the first place, I disagree with the necessity now outside of the logistics. Every vote should count and I would much rather have individual votes determine the outcome of an election then pockets of party concentrated areas. However, I don't feel now there is a way to do that effectively and efficiently. There are still problems with voting machines, ballots, and I couldn't even begin to imagine the master cluster **** that would come with a close race/recount.

[mlyonsd]

Originally Posted by whoman69

Good points. I can't believe Republicans want to do away with states rights. The electoral college makes this an election of 50 states and the District of Columbia. A popular vote would silence the voice of individual states.

Very well put.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by Calcountry

It's in the constitution?

If you want to eliminate it, fine, then amend the constitution as set forth in the constitution.

What is wrong with you tonight? I was agreeing with you that it's not a conservative position.
See below what I responded to.

Originally Posted by Calcountry View Post
My bad, except, that eliminating the EC, IMHO, is NOT a conservative position.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

While I agree with the reasons for the electoral college in the first place, I disagree with the necessity now outside of the logistics. Every vote should count and I would much rather have individual votes determine the outcome of an election then pockets of party concentrated areas. However, I don't feel now there is a way to do that effectively and efficiently. There are still problems with voting machines, ballots, and I couldn't even begin to imagine the master cluster **** that would come with a close race/recount.

On man one vote means democracy. That's the worst form of govt. We're a republic. Let's keep it that way.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

On man one vote means democracy. That's the worst form of govt. We're a republic. Let's keep it that way.

Do please tell me why you think so?

[RNR]

Originally Posted by whoman69

Without this antiquated system Bush would have never been elected. Romney didn't win the popular vote either.

And your point?

[whoman69]

Originally Posted by RedNeckRaider

And your point?

That should be an auto response for every post in this forum.

[Bump]

the electoral college is almost as stupid and outdated as the bible

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

On man one vote means democracy. That's the worst form of govt. We're a republic. Let's keep it that way.

Really? The worst? The worst? Really?

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by Bump

the electoral college is almost as stupid and outdated as the bible

Trolling, yet still mostly true. Nicely done.