Much ado about the Electoral College

Contrary to popular belief, the Electoral College was not designed to give an advantage to a single faction amidst the political party system. Although parties/factions certainly existed in the founding era, they bear no resemblance to the political structure that we must operate within today.

The Electoral College was built by men who wanted the most fair and least expensive way to elect a president to preside over the union of the states. Using the principle of representation, the most well thought of individuals were tasked with long distance elections. This kept the cost to a minimum, plus the founders knew that straight democracy only worked in local elections.

I think that the reason for all the dissension today is over the role of the office. Those who want a king-like figure tend to want a direct vote and those who see presidential authority limited to what is in the contract, (the Constitution) are happy to embrace the practice of Maine and Nebraska. Maine and Nebraska skip the winner-take-all approach by dividing their electoral votes fairly.

If we truly desire to fix the Electoral College, then we need to take the time to understand its original intent. The best way to understand the spirit of our republic, is to read George Washington’s Farewell Address dated Sept. 17, 1796. In it he pours out his heart to the nation.

DIANE WHEELER

Hope