Let's Abolish the Electoral College

Below is an e-mail I received from Congresswoman Grace Meng who responded to my e-mail to her about abolishing the Electoral College.  There is something very wrong when the candidate who has about 3 million more popular votes loses the election since we have an anachronistic Electoral College.

Of course, this would require a constitutional amendment.  Thus both houses of congress would have to pass it and then the president would have to sign it.  At that point, state legislatures in 75% of the states would have to approve it.  I doubt this will happen, but let's give it a try.

Dear Mr. Slutsky

      Thank you for contacting me to express your support for eliminating the Electoral College.

      The framers of the Constitution created the Electoral College as a compromise to protect the interests of both small and large states. I understand your frustrations that the Electoral College winner determines the outcome of the presidential election and not the winner of the popular vote.

      As you may know, H.J.Res. 19 would propose a constitutional amendment that would eliminate the Electoral College thereby determining the winner of the presidential election based on the majority vote. H.J.Res.19 is currently pending before the House Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.  Should H.J.Res.19 or any other legislation that would restructure the Electoral College reach the House Floor for a vote, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

      I appreciate you taking the time to share your views with me, and I hope that you will continue to do so in the future.