SIGN ON: It’s Time to Abolish the Electoral College
According to a recent Pew Research Center study, 65% of Americans favor moving away from the Electoral College in favor of a popular vote system – and we agree. The Electoral College system no longer aligns with the democratic principles upon which our nation was founded. It is imperative that we move towards a more equitable and representative electoral process.
The following reasons underscore the need for abolishing the Electoral College:
- Undermines "One Person, One Vote": The Electoral College can result in a President who did not win the popular vote. This was evident in the 2016 and 2000 elections, where Donald Trump and George W. Bush, respectively, won the presidency despite losing the popular vote. Such outcomes highlight the misalignment between the Electoral College and the will of the people.
- Disproportionate Influence: The current system gives undue influence to swing states, marginalizing voters in solidly red or blue states. Every American should have an equal voice in electing the President.
- Discourages Voter Turnout: In states where one party dominates, voters may feel their votes do not matter, leading to lower turnout. A direct popular vote would encourage higher participation, knowing that every vote counts equally.
We call on Congress to propose and pass a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College. This requires the support of two-thirds of both the House and the Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the state legislatures.