Understanding the Electoral College – Why it Really Matters Part 1

The Electoral College is a unique and often misunderstood element of the American Political System. Created over two centuries ago, it plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of presidential elections. Sometimes, it leads to results that create controversy. Like how can a candidate get the most votes but still lose the election for the Presidency? In modern times, its relevance and effectiveness are hotly debated. Technological advancements have transformed how information is disseminated and how elections are conducted. Maybe we should just let the people really decide. But let’s look at what this whole Electoral College thing is all about.

What is the Electoral College?
The Electoral College is not a physical place, but a process established by the Constitution. It comprises of 538 electors. Each state has electors equal to its total number of Senators and Representatives in Congress. Washington, D.C. also has three electors. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure a majority of electoral votes, at least 270.

Why Was the Electoral College Created?
The Founding Fathers created the Electoral College for several reasons:

1. Compromise: It was a middle ground between electing the president by a Congress vote and by a direct popular vote.

2. Fear of Direct Democracy: There was concern that a direct election could lead to mob rule or the election of a demagogue.

3. State Influence: It ensures that smaller states have a voice in the election, preventing more populous states from dominating the process.

How Does It Determine the President?
When Americans vote in presidential elections, they vote for a slate of electors chosen by their party who have pledged to support that party’s candidate. These electors then cast their votes for president. In most states, the winner of the popular vote receives all the state’s electoral votes (winner-takes-all system). Only Maine and Nebraska use a proportional method.

Popular Vote vs. Electoral College
A candidate can win the popular vote yet lose the electoral college due to the distribution of electoral votes. This has happened in several elections, most recently in 2000 and 2016. A candidate winning large margins in populous states may have millions more votes nationally, but if they lose narrowly in several key states, they can lose the electoral vote.

Swing States and Their Significance
In modern elections, the Electoral College turns states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, and Georgia into crucial battlegrounds. Strategists call these swing states.

What is a Swing State?
A swing state is one where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters. These states are not reliably Republican or Democratic, making them highly competitive and pivotal in deciding the election outcome. Candidates focus significant resources and campaign efforts on these states, as winning them can be the key to securing the necessary electoral votes.

Modern Technology and the Electoral College
Advancements in technology, particularly the internet and social media, have drastically changed how candidates run campaigns and how voters access information. Some argue that these changes make the Electoral College obsolete. With instant communication and widespread access to information, the original concerns about informed voting are less relevant. National campaigns can reach every corner of the country, making a direct popular vote more feasible and reflective of the voters’ will.

The Electoral College’s Influence on Current Elections
The Electoral College continues to shape campaign strategies and voter behavior. In the current election cycle, candidates focus heavily on swing states, often tailoring messages and policies to appeal to specific state issues. This focus can lead to neglect of states perceived as solidly Republican or Democratic, skewing national policy priorities.