Some Electoral College supporters say the magnification of the margin of victory that the institution creates is actually beneficial, at least to the President.  Their argument appears to stem from a hope that people might ignore the popular vote, focusing on the electoral vote instead and offering the administration more credibility and legitimacy.

Meanwhile fewer and fewer voices are heard in the nationwide contest.  In 1996 we saw the number of competative states drop from 1992.  2000 had fewer than 1996 and in 2004 the trend continued with just 11 states considered competative.  In 2008 we might well have less than 10 competative states.

More Options

Vague Values

Electoral Replacements

Electoral Tie

Favorite Son Effect

A Few States Wins

Constitutional Residence

State Size

Special Interests

Power of State Legislatures

Unlucky Luck

 
Electoral College Table of Contents