Electoral College Flaws and Reform Options Discussed

In the closing class of a series from The Washington Post, host Christina Quinn discusses the flaws and potential reforms of the Electoral College. Historian Alex Kazar reveals significant defects in its current structure, namely its undemocratic nature where the candidate with the most votes may not win, and the win-or-take-all method that skews election campaigns towards swing states. Despite arguments for preserving the system to protect minority votes in smaller states, Kazar believes its antiquated design does not reflect today's political landscape. He outlines three alternatives to reform: a national popular vote, the proportional allocation of electoral votes, and the national popular vote interstate compact. While a national popular vote was nearly enacted in the late 1960s, it faced roadblocks in Congress. There is hope for future reforms as political dynamics change, but for now, the Electoral College remains. The discussion emphasizes the importance of voting, as it directly impacts the electoral process.