FairVote - Favorite Son Effect

March 29th 2007
Md. Senate Advances Bill To Dodge Electoral College
Washington Post

Maryland's state Senate has passed the National Popular Vote plan, and Governor O'Malley will sign.

March 20th 2007
Semantics need not stop a bedrock principle
The Washington Times

Adrienne Washington argues that the courts, not Congress, should decide the constitutionality of the DC Voting Rights Act of 2007.

February 15th 2007
Real Democracy Or Dystopia
TomPaine.com

New America's Steven Hill highlights America's crossroads: a diminishing role for voters in dumbed down elections or real democracy characterized by diverse legislatures, fair media and a directly elected president.

February 1st 2007
Maryland can lead the way to a popular vote for president
Takoma Voice

Maryland Delegate Sheila Hixson endorses the National Popular Vote plan.

January 7th 2007
Voting Changes Could Be Antidote To Toxic Politics
Hartford Courant

Neal Peirce touts direct election of the president, instant runoff and proportional voting in this commentary on the passing of reform-minded former President Gerald Ford.

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Home. > Presidential Elections Reform > Resources > Electoral College > How the Electoral College works today > Little Known Facts > Favorite Son Effect
	Favorite Son Effect One of the reasons the Founders created the Electoral College was to prevent a Favorite Son effect, in which citizens of a state would vote for a candidate who is also from their state solely for that reason. But in fact, the Electoral College has turned out to promote the Favorite Son effect instead of suppress it. Note that every single President, with the exception of James K. Polk in 1844, has won his home state. *Note: The Federal Elections Commission currently, and incorrectly, explains the Favorite Son effect as being prevented by parties selecting their Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees from different states. A Few States Wins Constitutional Residence State Size Special Interests Power of State Legislatures Unlucky Luck Ignoring Your Vote More Options Vague Values Electoral Replacements Electoral Tie Electoral College Table of Contents	March 29th 2007 Md. Senate Advances Bill To Dodge Electoral College Washington Post Maryland's state Senate has passed the National Popular Vote plan, and Governor O'Malley will sign. March 20th 2007 Semantics need not stop a bedrock principle The Washington Times Adrienne Washington argues that the courts, not Congress, should decide the constitutionality of the DC Voting Rights Act of 2007. February 15th 2007 Real Democracy Or Dystopia TomPaine.com New America's Steven Hill highlights America's crossroads: a diminishing role for voters in dumbed down elections or real democracy characterized by diverse legislatures, fair media and a directly elected president. February 1st 2007 Maryland can lead the way to a popular vote for president Takoma Voice Maryland Delegate Sheila Hixson endorses the National Popular Vote plan. January 7th 2007 Voting Changes Could Be Antidote To Toxic Politics Hartford Courant Neal Peirce touts direct election of the president, instant runoff and proportional voting in this commentary on the passing of reform-minded former President Gerald Ford. [ Previous ] [ Next ]