Just under a year out from the 2024 election, it is clear that American politics are broken. This year alone has seen no shortage of controversies, with one of the most significant being the federal indictment of former President Donald Trump. At the heart of this indictment is a scheme to use 'fake electors' to overturn the 2020 election results. This case has brought the Electoral College, a system deeply ingrained in the American political process, into the spotlight once again.
The latest national polling conducted by ABC/Washington Post showed former President Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden by 9 points. However, it is crucial to note that these polls do not reflect the actual outcome of the election, as the president is not determined by the popular vote alone. Instead, the Electoral College system comes into play.
If no candidate receives a majority of Electoral College votes, the U.S. House of Representatives elected in the 2024 election would decide the outcome. This highlights the immense power held by Congress in the presidential election process. Understanding what Congress was doing on the day of the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of this branch of government in safeguarding democracy.
In the United States, a candidate becomes president not by winning a majority of the national popular vote but through a system called the Electoral College. When Americans cast their votes for president, they are essentially directing electors to vote for the candidate who represents their state. These electors, typically chosen by political parties, then cast their votes in the Electoral College.
While each major U.S. political party has many states it counts on winning in November's presidential election, a handful of states are considered crucial swing states. These states often receive significant attention from candidates, as winning them can greatly influence the outcome of the election. Critics argue that this system allows only a few states to disproportionately select the president, diminishing the impact of votes in other states.
Proponents of the Electoral College argue that it ensures a fair representation of all states and prevents larger, more populous states from dominating the election process. They contend that it promotes a balance of power between rural and urban areas and prevents candidates from focusing solely on densely populated regions. However, opponents argue that this system does not accurately reflect the will of the people and can lead to situations where the candidate who wins the popular vote loses the election.
In conclusion, the Electoral College remains a controversial aspect of American politics. While it serves as a unique method for electing the president, it has faced criticism for its potential to undermine the popular vote and concentrate power in a few key states. As the nation moves closer to the 2024 election, discussions surrounding the Electoral College and potential reforms are likely to persist, as Americans seek a system that truly represents their collective voice.
