The Maine legislature joined a multistate effort to elect the president by popular vote on April 15, 2024. Under this legislation, each state would allocate all its electoral votes to whoever wins the national popular vote for president, regardless of how Maine voted in an election. Our aim at save the vote is to put the decision to elect the president by popular vote on the ballot since it is contrary to what the founding fathers envisioned. They created the electoral college to balance state influence, prevent majority tyranny, and maintain stability in presidential elections. We need your help to get this on the ballot in November. Please sign up below to volunteer, even if its for an hour, to help us get this important issue on the ballot.
What is the Electoral College?
The Electoral College is a unique system used to elect the President and Vice President. Here’s why it matters:
Balancing State Influence: The Electoral College ensures that smaller states have a voice in the presidential election. Each state receives a number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress (senators + representatives). This means that even states with smaller populations still play a role in the outcome.
Preventing Tyranny of the Majority: The Founding Fathers were concerned about the “tyranny of the majority.” They wanted to prevent a situation where a few densely populated states could dominate the election. By using electors, the system provides a more balanced representation across the country.
Focus on Swing States: The Electoral College encourages candidates to campaign in swing states—those that could go either way. This ensures that candidates pay attention to a diverse range of issues and demographics, rather than solely focusing on the most populous areas.
Stability and Certainty: The winner-takes-all approach in most states ensures a clear winner. It also prevents endless recounts and legal battles that could arise from a purely popular vote system.
Historical Context: The Electoral College reflects the compromises made during the Constitutional Convention. It was a delicate balance between states’ rights and national unity.