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


 
October 1st 2007
Electoral College Reform?
Washington Lawyer

A thorough look at the ins and out of the Electoral College, featuring insight from FairVote chairman John Anderson in this cover story.

September 27th 2007
Disillusioned voters challenging electoral system
The Hill

Members of National Popular Vote discuss their plan for direct election of the president, a hope shared by the majority of Americans.

September 25th 2007
The Democrats' fifty-state strategy
The Nation

FairVote NC member Lee Mortimer takes aim at the segmentation of our country into swing states and safe states, forcing candidates to ignore most of us.

September 24th 2007
Is it time for electoral reform?
Stoneham Sun

A call for serious consideration of the National Popular Vote plan in the Massachusetts legislature.

September 19th 2007
The manipulators are ready to tilt the next election
Seattle Times

Why Washington's Legislature should consider joining Maryland in the National Popular Vote compact and "respect the choice of the people in 2008."

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