Why are electoral votes based on population not voter turn out? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

disgruntled · 11-02-2004, 11:47 PM

Because the electoral college bases the number of electoral votes each states gets on the total population of that state it is possible that in some states with a large population and a low voter turn out (ie California) that each person's vote is actually worth more then people in other states... So is there something wrong with my logic? or does something need to be changed with this 200 year old institution? Its possible that i have it all wrong, any explanation would be appreciated!

djtestudo · 11-03-2004, 12:02 AM

The problem with your logic is assuming the EC is directly based on population. It is based on congressional representation; the number of representatives plus the two senators. The number of representatives is based on population.

D Rice · 11-03-2004, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disgruntled

Because the electoral college bases the number of electoral votes each states gets on the total population of that state it is possible that in some states with a large population and a low voter turn out (ie California) that each person's vote is actually worth more then people in other states... So is there something wrong with my logic? or does something need to be changed with this 200 year old institution? Its possible that i have it all wrong, any explanation would be appreciated!

http://people.howstuffworks.com/electoral-college1.htm

disgruntled · 11-03-2004, 07:46 AM

D Rice, thx for the link! It has explained most of my questions and shined new light on to the purpose of the electoral college.

ubertuber · 11-03-2004, 08:17 AM

Not to mention politicians are supposed to represent everyone, including those that voted for their opponents or even did not vote at all.

11-02-2004, 11:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
disgruntled Tilted Location: Vancouver BC	Why are electoral votes based on population not voter turn out? Because the electoral college bases the number of electoral votes each states gets on the total population of that state it is possible that in some states with a large population and a low voter turn out (ie California) that each person's vote is actually worth more then people in other states... So is there something wrong with my logic? or does something need to be changed with this 200 year old institution? Its possible that i have it all wrong, any explanation would be appreciated! Last edited by disgruntled; 11-02-2004 at 11:50 PM.. Reason: typos galore!

11-03-2004, 12:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	The problem with your logic is assuming the EC is directly based on population. It is based on congressional representation; the number of representatives plus the two senators. The number of representatives is based on population. __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

11-03-2004, 08:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
ubertuber spudly Location: Ellay	Not to mention politicians are supposed to represent everyone, including those that voted for their opponents or even did not vote at all. __________________ Cogito ergo spud -- I think, therefore I yam

11-03-2004, 07:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
disgruntled Tilted Location: Vancouver BC	D Rice, thx for the link! It has explained most of my questions and shined new light on to the purpose of the electoral college.