Electoral College Reform

Historical Context and Criticisms

The Electoral College, a compromise between small and large states, was designed to filter the electorate’s whims. However, its relevance has diminished over time. Elections like those in 2000 and 2016, where the popular vote winner lost, have intensified criticism.

The system faces objections for focusing on battleground states, creating an uneven playing field. Critics also point out the power disproportion between small and large states, with voters in smaller states having more influence per capita.

Reform proposals range from a national popular vote to proportional representation. However, change remains difficult due to constitutional requirements and political resistance.

Did you know? Over 700 proposals have been made to modify or abolish the Electoral College – more than any other subject of Constitutional reform.

Recent Legislative Changes

The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022 aimed to modernize the vote-counting process. Key changes include:

• Clarifying the vice president’s role as ministerial rather than decision-making.
• Requiring one-fifth of each chamber’s support for objections to electoral votes.
• Mandating states to establish elector appointment rules before election day.
• Creating a streamlined path for election disputes in federal courts.

These reforms provide more structure to election proceedings but fall short of fundamentally restructuring the Electoral College itself.

Proposed Reforms and Alternatives

Several alternatives to the Electoral College have been proposed:

1. National Popular Vote Interstate Compact: States agree to award their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner.
2. Proportional allocation: Electoral votes are awarded based on the percentage of popular vote in each state.
3. Direct democracy: Abolishing the Electoral College in favor of a national popular vote.

Each proposal faces challenges, from constitutional hurdles to concerns about gerrymandering and changing campaign strategies.

Public Opinion and Partisan Perspectives

Public opinion on the Electoral College is divided along partisan lines. A majority of Americans, particularly Democrats, favor a national popular vote system. This sentiment intensified after the 2000 and 2016 elections, where Democratic candidates won the popular vote but lost the presidency.

Republicans generally support maintaining the Electoral College, especially after Trump’s 2016 victory. They view it as a check on majoritarianism and a way to preserve influence for less populous states.

Younger voters tend to support a popular vote system more than older generations.

As of 2024, 63% of Americans prefer to see the winner of the presidential election be the person who wins the most votes nationally, while 35% favor retaining the Electoral College system.

Challenges and Feasibility of Reform

Reforming the Electoral College faces significant obstacles:

• Constitutional amendment requirements: Two-thirds approval in Congress and ratification by three-quarters of states.
• Political resistance: Vested interests, particularly among Republicans who benefit from the current system.
• Legal challenges: Potential constitutional issues with alternatives like the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
• Potential impacts: Concerns about shifting campaign focus to populous areas at the expense of rural regions.

These challenges make substantial reform unlikely in the near term.

The Electoral College remains a contentious aspect of American democracy, with ongoing debates about its role in modern elections. As the system continues to face scrutiny, it’s clear that any significant changes will require broad bipartisan support and careful consideration of potential consequences.

1. National Conference of State Legislatures. Electoral College Reform. 2023. 2. Brennan Center for Justice. Electoral College Reform. 2023. 3. Pew Research Center. Two-Thirds of Americans Favor Doing Away With Electoral College. 2024.