The framers of the Constitution preferred the electoral system to a direct popular election because, in the 18th century, travel was difficult and there were no national party organizations. They feared that many regional candidates would divide the vote. This no longer appears to be a threat to today's political system.

In 1988, the seven least populous jurisdictions had 21 electoral votes, the same as Florida. But Florida's population was three times that of those seven jurisdictions! An individual's vote has more weight if they live in a state with a small population. For example, each electoral vote in Alaska is equivalent to approximately 112,000 people. Each electoral vote in New York is equivalent to approximately 404,000 eligible people (based on 1990 census data). And that's if everyone votes! Also, a citizen's individual vote has more weight if the percentage of voter participation in the state is low. If only half of all people in Alaska vote, then each electoral vote is equal to roughly 56,000 people. Furthermore, the electoral vote does not reflect the volume of voter participation within a state. If only a few voters go to the polls, all the electoral votes of the state are still cast.

The Electoral College system is also flawed because the constitution doesn't require the electors to vote for the candidates to whom they have been pledged. If their vote doesn't count, then why bother?

A president with a minority of the popular vote has won the Electoral College vote 15 times in U.S. history, most recently in 1992 and 1996, when Clinton won only 43 percent and 49 percent of the popular vote respectively. Our method of electing a President must change to ensure a more representative government. The Electoral College must go!