Favor of Abolishing The Electoral College

The Electoral College has been a cornerstone of the American electoral system since the inception of the United States. However, as time has passed, the system has faced growing criticism and calls for reform. This argumentative essay explores the potential benefits of abolishing the Electoral College in America, focusing on the principles of fairness, representation, and the impact on election campaigns.

Ensuring Fairness in Presidential Elections

One of the primary arguments in favor of abolishing the Electoral College is the pursuit of greater fairness in Presidential Elections. The current system allows for situations in which a candidate who receives fewer popular votes can still win the presidency. This discrepancy has occurred five times in American history, most recently in the 2000 and 2016 elections.

Abolishing the Electoral College would help ensure that every vote cast in a Presidential Election holds equal weight. Under a direct popular vote system, each citizen's vote would count toward the final tally, and the candidate with the most votes would win, regardless of the distribution of those votes across states. This would eliminate the possibility of a candidate winning the Electoral College while losing the popular vote, thus aligning the election process with the democratic principle of one person, one vote.

Enhancing Representation and Voter Engagement

Another significant benefit of abolishing the Electoral College lies in the potential for enhanced representation and increased voter engagement. Currently, the winner-takes-all approach used by most states in allocating electoral votes can lead to a situation where a state's minority party voters feel disenfranchised. In "safe" states where one party consistently dominates, voters from the minority party may feel that their votes do not matter and therefore may not turn out to vote.

By moving to a direct popular vote system, every vote would have the same value, regardless of the voter's party affiliation or the state in which they reside. This could lead to increased voter engagement, as citizens would perceive their votes as more impactful. Candidates would also be encouraged to campaign in all states, not just battleground states, as every vote would be equally valuable. This broader campaign approach would enhance representation by forcing candidates to address a wider range of issues and concerns.

Impact on Election Campaigns and Policy Priorities

The abolition of the Electoral College would have a transformative effect on Election Campaigns and the policy priorities of candidates. Currently, presidential candidates often concentrate their efforts and resources on a select few swing states where the outcome is uncertain. This focus can lead to the neglect of issues that are important to voters in non-battleground states.

Under a direct popular vote system, candidates would be incentivized to campaign in all states, as every vote would contribute to their national total. This shift in campaign strategy could lead to a more inclusive and representative electoral process. Candidates would be compelled to address a broader range of issues that matter to Americans across the country, not just those in a handful of swing states.

Furthermore, the Electoral College's winner-takes-all approach can result in a focus on a few key demographics within battleground states, potentially neglecting the concerns of minority groups and less populous areas. Abolishing the Electoral College would encourage candidates to appeal to a more diverse and geographically dispersed electorate, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the nation's needs.

Conclusion

The potential benefits of abolishing the Electoral College in America are significant. By pursuing a more direct and inclusive electoral system, the nation can enhance fairness, representation, and voter engagement in Presidential Elections. Eliminating the possibility of a candidate winning the Electoral College while losing the popular vote aligns with democratic principles and promotes equal participation.

Furthermore, abolishing the Electoral College can reshape election campaigns, forcing candidates to address a broader array of issues and the concerns of voters across the nation. This transition could lead to a more representative and responsive government that better reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of the American people.

In conclusion, the Electoral College has served its purpose, but its flaws have become increasingly evident over time. Abolishing it in favor of a direct popular vote system is a step toward a more democratic and representative electoral process, one that aligns with the principles of fairness and equal representation upon which the United States was founded.

References

1. Hasen, R. L. (2018). The flawed electoral college should be abolished. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-flawed-electoral-college-should-be-abolished/
2. FairVote. (2021). The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College. FairVote. https://www.fairvote.org/the_case_for_abolishing_the_electoral_college
3. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. (2021). About the Compact. National Popular Vote. https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/about
4. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021). The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/national-popular-vote.aspx
5. Keyssar, A. (2001). The Electoral College and the American idea of democracy. The Yale Law Journal, 110(8), 1403-1432.
6. Edwards, G. C. III. (2004). Why the Electoral College is bad for America. Yale University Press.
7. Amar, A. R. (2016). The Troubling Reason the Electoral College Exists. Time. https://time.com/4558510/electoral-college-history-slavery/