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


 
May 1st 2007
One Person, One Vote, Really
Tom Paine.com

MD state Senator Jamie Raskin calls on spectator states across the country to ratify the National Popular Vote plan.

April 17th 2007
Electoral College Reform
The New York Times

FairVote's executive director, Rob Richie, responds to the NY Times editorial on national popular vote.

April 16th 2007
Pileup

New Yorker essayist and FairVote Board member Hendrik Hertzberg comments on the dangerous stampede of states to the front of the presidential primary schedule, and the value of the National Popular Vote plan for creating fair presidential elections.

April 14th 2007
Maryland Takes the Lead
The New York Times

The New York Times lauds the passage of NPV by Maryland.

April 12th 2007
In voting to end electoral college, Maryland dares to go where Schwarzenegger wouldn't
Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times columnist urges California to follow in the footsteps of Maryland and pass national popular vote.

[ Previous ] [ Next ]