Electoral system is very outdated

Now that the election is over, it is perhaps time to start thinking about reforming the electoral system. To say it is outdated is a gross understatement.

Back when this country was formed, there was very little means of communication. It could have been weeks before the popular vote was counted and put together around the country to determine the winner for President and Vice President.

So our founders decided it was best to let the candidates win in the states and let a handful of electors from each state vote for the national prizes. And that is how the electoral college was formed.

Nowadays we can have the results of a nationwide popular vote in minutes. And we are no longer a group of states formed into a nation but rather a country subdivided into states.

The states should be allowed more power in running their own affairs in the public sector. But the government in Washington that runs national affairs should be elected by a majority of the people.

A constitutional amendment is needed to change the system to a popular vote of all the people instead of an electoral vote by states. But its time has come. It is the essence of Democracy.

Under the electoral system, it is possible for a candidate who did not lead in popular vote to win the Presidency. And it should be changed.

 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply