Prominent Democratic Senators have made a proposal to change how Presidential elections work. It would require a constitutional change.
Democratic Push to Abolish the Electoral College
The Electoral College has long been a contentious issue in American politics. Recently, Democratic Senators Brian Schatz, Dick Durbin, and Peter Welch proposed a constitutional amendment to abolish this system in favor of a direct popular vote for President and Vice President. Their argument is simple: the candidate with the most votes should win the election.
This proposal isn’t without precedent. The presidential elections in 2000 and 2016 saw George W. Bush and Donald Trump, respectively, win the Electoral College while losing the popular vote. These instances have been used to highlight perceived flaws in the current system.
"In an election, the person who gets the most votes should win. It's that simple," said Senator Schatz. "No one's vote should count for more based on where they live. The Electoral College is outdated and it's undemocratic. It's time to end it."
Proponents of change argue that the current system gives disproportionate influence to a handful of battleground states, leaving many voters feeling unheard. However, altering the Constitution is a complex process requiring broad support across the political spectrum.
Challenges and Opposition to Electoral Reform
Amending the Constitution to eliminate the Electoral College is a challenging endeavor. The process requires:
- A two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate
- Ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions
This high threshold is designed to ensure that only proposals with widespread, bipartisan support can alter the nation’s foundational structure.
The Electoral College serves as a strategic framework for distributing political power across the country. It encourages candidates to campaign in various regions, ensuring diverse state interests are considered in presidential elections. Supporters view it as a safeguard against the tyranny of the majority in a geographically and culturally diverse nation.
Political opposition to abolishing the Electoral College is strong, particularly among Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been a vocal advocate for maintaining the system, arguing that it compels presidential candidates to engage with smaller states rather than focusing solely on populous urban areas.
Given these factors, the proposed amendment faces significant constitutional and political hurdles. The debate over electoral reform continues, reflecting the ongoing discussion about the balance between tradition and change in our republic.
Public Opinion and Alternative Approaches
Public opinion on the Electoral College system versus a direct popular vote has been a point of discussion in recent years. Polls show a substantial portion of Americans favoring a shift to a popular vote system. A Pew Research Center survey indicated that over 60 percent of Americans support electing the president by popular vote instead of through the Electoral College.
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact presents an alternative approach to reform without amending the Constitution. This agreement, adopted by several states and the District of Columbia, commits signatories to allocate their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote. While the Compact has gained traction, it still requires additional support to achieve its intended impact.
Proponents argue that a direct popular vote would ensure every vote carries equal weight, dismantling the disproportionate influence of battleground states. However, critics assert that such reforms could inadvertently marginalize smaller or rural states, a concern echoed by those who view the Electoral College as a crucial balance between populous and less populous states.
Key questions to consider:
- Is the current system still serving its intended purpose in our modern republic?
- How might changes to the Electoral College affect the balance of power between states?
These are questions we must carefully consider as we navigate this complex issue.
- Durbin D, Schatz B, Welch P. Durbin, Schatz, Welch Introduce Constitutional Amendment To End Undemocratic Electoral College. Press Release. 2023.
- Pew Research Center. Majority of Americans Continue to Favor Moving Away From Electoral College. Survey Report. 2023.
- National Archives. Electoral College Proposed Amendments. Historical Records. 2023.