As members of the Electoral College met across the nation on December 13, 2004, an unknown elector from Minnesota earned a footnote in the history books by casting his/her vote, representing 492,000 voters, for vice-presidential candidate John Edwards in both president and vice president slots, omitting presidential candidate John Kerry altogether. Another Minnesota elector, who believed the Edwards vote must have been a mistake, said "I'm certainly glad the Electoral College isn't separated by one vote." If it had been, antiquated rules overseeing the Electoral College dictate that a tied Electoral College decision would be sent to congress, thereby subjecting that decision to the partisan environment of the legislature. Because of the way the Electoral College is set up, many voters go unrepresented or are ignored by candidates, especially in states where one candidate is supported by a strong majority of voters.

See our call for action on December 13, 2004.

Responses to Myths about National Popular Vote and the Electoral College

History

How the Electoral College works today
States that bind electors
Maine & Nebraska
Frequently asked questions

Problems

Concerns with the Electoral College
Most votes don't count
Controversial elections
Faithless electors
State advantages
Little known facts

Solutions

The case for reform
Reform options
Leaders that support direct election of the president
Past attempts at reform


Questions? Email us at: info(a)fairvote.org

 

October 26th 2008
Make all votes count

Disenchanted by the recent lack of attention paid to Michigan, Detroit Free Press editor Ron Dzwonkowski argues for the National Popular Vote interstate compact to make Michigan voters relevant throughout every campaign.

October 26th 2008
It's time to get rid of Electoral College

Editorial in the Houston Chronicle calls for the direct election of the President and asks readers to support the National Popular Vote initiative.

October 25th 2008
Blue State Blues

New York Times op-ed columnist Gail Collins addresses the sense of neglect felt by voters in "spectator" states as a result of the Electoral College and the winner-take-all method of allocating states' electors.

October 23rd 2008
The Electoral College And Other Hazards
National Journal

Interview with FairVote Executive Director Rob Richie on prospects for electoral reform.

October 17th 2008
October 17th Update on Presidential Visits and Spending

FairVote's press release shows that in the "Swing States of America," candidates ignore a majority of states and follow voting patterns of 2004 Presidential Election.

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