The Electoral College
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