The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College

Every four years, the United States faces one of its most significant decisions: electing the next president. However, a critical question arises: should the Electoral College be abolished? Many argue that the current voting process is not only outdated but also unfair. This is primarily because direct votes do not determine the outcome, leaving smaller states or those with less population feeling disenfranchised. In this essay, I will argue that the Electoral College undermines democratic principles and should be abolished to ensure a more equitable election process.

The essay will explore how the system disproportionately affects states with varying populations, the discrepancies it causes in electoral representation, and how it contradicts the notion of one person, one vote.

Disproportionate Representation

The Electoral College allocates electoral votes based on the number of representatives and senators each state has. Consequently, smaller states or those with less population receive minimal electoral votes. For instance, according to Document A, states like Delaware, Vermont, and Washington D.C. receive as few as three electoral votes. Even larger states such as Montana and Wyoming are confined to three electoral votes due to their lower populations. This allocation system leads to a disproportionate representation where populous states do not have electoral votes that reflect their larger populations. As a result, candidates may win the popular vote but lose the presidency because smaller states hold disproportionate sway in the Electoral College. This raises the question: is this system truly fair in today's democratic landscape where every vote is supposed to count equally?

Electoral Discrepancies

Document D provides a stark illustration of the Electoral College's flaws through a comparative chart. It shows that a combination of 12 states, with a population totaling 12,500,722, holds 44 electoral votes. In contrast, Illinois, with a larger population of 12,830,632, receives only 20 electoral votes. This discrepancy raises significant concerns about the fairness of electoral representation. How can a state with a higher population have fewer electoral votes than a combination of smaller states? Ideally, the number of electoral votes should align more closely with the population size, ensuring that all citizens have an equal say in the presidential election. The current system falls short of this ideal, further underscoring the need for reform.

The Popular Vote Paradox

The paradox of the popular vote is another glaring issue within the Electoral College system. In Document G, historical examples illustrate how the popular vote can be rendered meaningless. In one notable instance, Benjamin Harrison lost the popular vote to Grover Cleveland but won the presidency through the Electoral College. Similarly, in the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton received 65,844,610 votes compared to Donald Trump's 62,979,636 votes. However, Trump secured the presidency through a majority in the Electoral College. This discrepancy between the popular vote and the electoral outcome contradicts the fundamental democratic principle of majority rule. If the Electoral College were abolished, the candidate with the most popular votes would rightfully become president, reflecting the true will of the people.

Democratic Principles at Stake

Not only does the Electoral College create disparities among states, but it also violates basic democratic principles. By making the vote of one citizen worth more than that of another, depending on the state's population and the race's competitiveness, the system undermines the concept of equal representation. If the Electoral College were abolished, every vote would carry equal weight, regardless of state lines. This would ensure that all voters are equally important, aligning with the core values of democracy.

Conclusion: Towards an Equal Election

In conclusion, the Electoral College discriminates against smaller populations, violates democratic principles, and is ultimately unfair. It should be abolished to create a more equitable election system where every citizen's vote carries equal weight. By doing so, we can uphold the democratic ideals that form the foundation of our nation. The question remains: should the Electoral College be abolished? The answer is a resounding yes, as it would pave the way for an electoral process that truly reflects the will of the people and ensures equal representation for all.

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