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What arguments would you make against abolishing the U.S. electoral college? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I’m actually helping someone write a paper along these lines, so I’m genuinely interested in the perspective of people who would disagree with a direct count or ranked choice or whatever. I am interested in what a real human being defending the current system would say.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

This system is simply outdated. In a world where every single vote can easily be counted to determine the majority, no one needs to ride horseback to Washington to announce the result of the election in a given state. This is elitist and greatly favors states with small populations.

In a democracy, what should be important is what the voters want, not how to manipulate an outdated system.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Well yeah, that’s obvious. But I’m really trying to figure out what the opposing view point is.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

Unfortunately, I can't help with that.

The only "argument" I can think of is the fact that this system can be manipulated in such a way that the rich and powerful can push their candidates past the will of the people.

Above all because the Electoral College basically guarantees that there can only be two major parties.

I think that's the simple reason why it hasn't been abolished long ago.