Electoral College:  Pros & Cons


Arguments for the Electoral College Arguments Against the Electoral College
Certainty of Results Can Distort the Popular Choice
Discourages 3rd Parties Discourages 3rd Parties
Precludes Possibility of National Re-Count of Votes Disenfranchises Voters in States Which Support Electoral College Loser
Keeps States as Integral Part of Presidential Selection Process Allows for the "Faithless Elector"
Keeps Small States as Viable Participants Can Allow Presidential Election to be Decided by the House of Representatives Where Each States Has One Vote
Establishes Campaign Need to Build "Concurrent Majorities" It Is Archaic - Based on Political Considerations No Longer Relevant
Provides Chosen Candidate with a Majority Gives Undue Power to "Swing States"