Electoral college......antiquated and time for a change?

[Spreedizzle 1]

This had recently crossed my mind and wondered if others had any opinions for insight to it. I understand the historical founding and use of the electoral college, yet I do not see any advantages for it currently in the election of our executive chief. To me it causes politicians in a "lost" state not to even pay attention or campaign in them and essentially concede loss in that state. While other "swing" states are the ones that get the constant campaigning and receive all of the important information about our potential president. Does anyone know of a specific reason that the EC is still used as opposed to a popular vote? IMO I feel that a popular vote would level the playing field and force politicians to work for every vote as opposed to concentrating on swing states and the ones that their party has historically won.

[chippa13 1844]

Because the guaranteed voters are those with nothing to do all day.

[gxc999 7]

As a poly sci major, I had the joy of writing on this. There are several defenses of this system. The obvious ones like it would make small state voters less inclined to vote, and it was the intent of the nation's founders are very common. Personally, I think people forget we were never intended to be a true democracy. How were Senators supposed to be chosen? Who got to vote for President? Not the people! It's a historical relic that just won't go away. I'm very ambivalent on this matter. My opinion is always changing on whether or not it should stay or be eliminated...

[Cleophus 0]

Sanford Levinson has an interesting book, "Our Undemocratic Constitution", that questions stuff like the electoral college, 2-Senators-per-state (regardless of population), life tenure for Supreme Court justices, lack of a way to remove incompetent presidents (ie, impeachment is only for "high crimes & misdemeanors", not incompetence), etc. A good read: Whether you agree with his arguments or not, it brings up good points for thought.

As a California resident, I find it appalling that California gets one electoral vote per 615,848 residents; Wyoming receives one vote per 164,594 residents. That is nearly a 4:1 ratio in favor of Wyoming. (2007 numbers)