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


 
November 29th 2005
S.D. has little say in picking president
ArgusLeader.com

News article about FairVote's Who Picks the President report focuses on changes to make South Dakota voters a player in presidential elecitons. Runs on state Associated Press wire in several papers.

November 14th 2005
Group questions Louisiana's influence
The Louisiana Advocate

FairVote's "Who Picks the President" report generates interest for Louisiana columnist.

November 9th 2005
Primary reform good for Nebraska
Lincoln Journal Star

An editorial using FairVote's report Who Picks the President to underscore the importance of electoral college and primary schedule reform.

November 1st 2005
The Shrinking Battleground
Tom Paine.com

FairVote's Chris Pearson and Ryan O'Donnell argue that the Electoral College has a wide range of negative consequences for American democracy.

October 27th 2005
Parties should make direct election of president a priority
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

FairVote's Ryan O'Donnell argues that a genuine commitment to inclusion should impel both parties to think seriously about direct election for president.

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