This week, panelists answered the question: Do you support the Electoral College system for choosing the president?
Bill Mifsud: “Yes, I think it goes with the old saying if it is not broke don’t fix it. The process works fine as it is.”
Nants Foley: “I believe the electoral process is part of our rich traditions. But in the modern age it is unwieldy. The conventions themselves are expensive and probably unnecessary. One person, one vote.”
Richard Place: “I think we should keep the Electoral College system if the vote goes my way. Just kidding. I do believe we should vote on a popular vote rather than disenfranchising the voters the way it is now. I don’t like the idea of making my vote go the same way as my congressional district either. It’s a little discouraging for those of us who are basically independent or decline to state.”
Ruth Erickson: “Whatever happened to the expression, ‘One man, (person), one vote?’ One of the several original ways suggested for selecting a person to be elected president was by popular vote. The idea was rejected because of little information about candidates from outside the community or the state. In this 21st century, with multimedia, instant election news, it’s time to have the populace elect the president. We don’t need an Electoral College representing us!”
Mary Zanger: “No I think it would be wonderful and more democratic if our president were chosen by popular vote. People might overcome their lethargy if they think their vote will really count. Popular vote might bring more discussion to the issues. We might become more like South America with full voter participation and informed discussions of issues.”
Richard Herrera: “I don’t especially as a voter in this state which doesn’t have much of an impact compared with other states.”
Louise Ledesma: “No, the electoral college was set up to protect the small states or they wouldn’t join the Union. With communication limited in those days, people had to rely on educated people in their state. Today, candidates need only campaign in a few toss-up states. California will vote Democrat so many people feel disenfranchised and don’t bother voting. That is if they even understand how the electoral college works. We need to change to a popular vote.”
