The Controversy Over the Electoral College System Essay -- Politics Po

The Controversy Over the Electoral College System A number of Americans fail to realize that when they vote they are not voting for the president and vice-president directly, but for electors who then cast their ballots in the Electoral College. Until the recent battle between Gov. George W. Bush and Vice-president Al Gore for the presidency, this new generation of American voters has never witnessed a controversial election. Historically, there have been problematic elections allowing voters to question this system. The Electoral College is now a process open to criticism and debate, specifically because many do not understand its origin or purpose today. On November 7, 2000, Election Day, I was excited to become an official voter. Considering myself mature, responsible, and finally of age to vote, I had mailed my registration, received my voter’s card, ready to become a participant in one of the most crucial events of the year. I was a faithful supporter of my candidate, crossing my fingers in hopes of victory. That night I watched CNN, eating my dinner and sipping a Diet Coke when the station announced Al Gore had won Florida, which held twenty-five electoral votes. Two hundred and seventy are needed to win, and presidential candidates Bush and Gore had switched leads all night. Each state held a close percentage ranging from an average 2-6 percent difference in votes between candidates. Florida had been anticipated as a Republican victory, which led to disappointment among Republican voters when its electoral votes were awarded to Al Gore. I continued to watch as each state was announced and electoral votes were awarded to either candidate. About an hour later, Florida became â€Å"too close to call† and CNN among other st... ... situation may cause discouragement in some voters, but in others motivation to become a participant in voting for entrusted electors to select our next president. Between the presidential candidates, whomever wins among this controversy should be respected and relied upon to reunite a divided country. Americans must have faith in a system that despite its flaws works and has set us apart from other nations in our freedoms and rights. Works Cited Best, Judith A. The Choice of the People? Debating the Electoral College. England: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 1996, pgs. 43-44. Glennon, Michael J. When No Majority Rules: The Electoral College and Presidential Succession. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press, 1993, p.20. Schmidt, Shelley, and Bardes. American Politics and Government Today. Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1999, pgs. 325-327.