In this edition of our bi-weekly segment with the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area, WEMU’s Lisa Barry talks with John Chamberlin, U-M professor emeritus of political science and public policy, about the Electoral College.
What is the position of the League of Women Voters about the Electoral College?
- A direct popular vote method for electing President and Vice President is essential to representative government.
- Electoral College should be abolished.
- National Popular Vote is one acceptable way to achieve the goal until the abolition of Electoral College accomplished.
- Also support uniform voting qualifications and procedures for Presidential elections.
The following is the official statement of position from the LWV US website:
Selection of the President The League’s Position Statement of Position on Selection of the President, as announced by the National Board, January 1970, revised March 1982, updated June 2004 and revised by the 2010 Convention:
The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that the direct-popular-vote method for electing the President and Vice President is essential to representative government. The League of Women Voters believes, therefore, that the Electoral College should be abolished. We support the use of the National Popular Vote Compact as one acceptable way to achieve the goal of the direct popular vote for election of the president until the abolition of the Electoral College is accomplished. The League also supports uniform voting qualifications and procedures for presidential elections. The League supports changes in the presidential election system—from the candidate selection process to the general election. We support efforts to provide voters with enough information about candidates and their positions, public policy issues and the selection process itself. The League supports action to ensure that the media, political parties, candidates, and all levels of government achieve these goals and provide that information.
Pros and Cons of the Electoral College
Pros and Cons of the National Popular Vote Contract
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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu