http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_college
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant_runoff
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Approval_voting
and finally, I think Michael Badnarik sums it up well:
Quote:
I have to tell you that I'm skeptical of electoral college reform at the federal level. Yes, the system has flaws, but I haven't seen any alternative proposals that don't have serious flaws themselves.
On the state level, I do advocate choosing electors by congressional district as Maine and Nebraska do, with the two non-district electors going to the overall winner of the popular vote. That would be more reflective of overall American voter sentiment.
Going to a straight popular vote would, perversely, represent the end of American democracy. Candidates would be inclined to cater to a few urban areas where they can buy the most votes for their buck (or their promise), effectively disenfranchising rural voters. To the extent that the presidency is a representative office, it should represent Peoria and Birmingham as much as it represents New York and Los Angeles.
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As to the electoral college being "undemocratic," that's EXACTLY what it is. America is not a democracy and the founding fathers disdained democracy. Benjamin Franklin said, "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!"