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


 
April 11th 2000
Elian Gonzalez
Pacifica Radio

Fairvote comments on the importance of the Elian Gonzalez drama to presidential politics.

October 29th 1999
Electoral College

In a letter to the editors of the Wall Street Journal, Rob Richie uses election data to prove that the Presidency is the only office of significance in the nation where a candidate can win with fewer votes then an opponent.


Lessons from an Election Fiasco
PR Newswire

Reacting to the 2000 election fiasco, Douglas Amy addresses the outdated electoral college and the problem of the spoiler effect.


Movement Started To Take Over Electoral College
WSOCTV

Former FairVote board member Jamie Raskin is interviewed on the National Popular Vote movement


A Binding Agreement
National Civic Review, Spring 2007

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