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


 
February 27th 2006
Group Presses States to Team Up Against Electoral College
Congressional Quarterly

An article that summarizes the recent kickoff of FairVote's National Popular Vote campaign.

February 12th 2006
Electoral Vote Fosters Neglect of Most States by Candidates
The Mercury News

FairVote Chair John Anderson, shows how the Electoral College neglects a large majority of voters in this most important of elections.

February 12th 2006
The Youth Vote
L.A. Times

FairVote's Chris Pearson argues that one reason for low voter turnout among young people is the two-tiered system of battleground and spectator states.

January 1st 2006
Presidential elections all but ignore Illinois
Chicago Tribune

FairVote Chair John Anderson on the harmful impact of the Electoral College.

November 30th 2005
Presidential races don't value state, group says
Aberdeen News

FairVote's Who Picks the President? report sparks discussion about primary reform

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