Amidst the 2024 election cycle, the debate over the Electoral College has reignited, with prominent Democrats expressing contrasting views on the system. Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Tim Walz, sparked the discourse with his support for eliminating the Electoral College, while the Harris campaign officially rejects this position.
The Electoral College has long been a topic of contention in American politics, and the 2024 election has reignited the debate. Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, recently made headlines with his support for abolishing the system.
In a statement to CNN and USA Today, a Harris campaign spokesperson clarified that Walz's remarks were intended to convey support for the Electoral College process, not to advocate for its elimination. The campaign's official position aligns with that of many Democrats, who view the Electoral College as a key safeguard against tyranny of the majority.
The Electoral College Debate: Democrats Divided on Abolishing the System
However, Walz's initial comments sparked a wider discussion among Democrats, some of whom have openly called for the abolition of the Electoral College. In 2016, then-candidate Hillary Clinton echoed this sentiment, suggesting a move towards a national popular vote.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) recently went a step further, warning that the Electoral College could have deadly consequences for American democracy, citing the events of January 6, 2021. He proposed a national popular vote as a superior alternative to the current "obsolete" system.
The Electoral College Debate: Democrats Divided on Abolishing the System
The Electoral College, established by the nation's Founding Fathers, was designed as a compromise between a congressional election and a popular vote. It allocates electoral votes based on the Census, giving smaller states a greater proportional impact on the outcome of an election.
However, Walz, as governor, signed a bill in May 2023 that would allocate Minnesota's electors based on the national popular vote. This measure, known as the "National Popular Vote Interstate Compact," is supported by 17 states and the District of Columbia but requires 270 electoral votes to take effect.
The Electoral College Debate: Democrats Divided on Abolishing the System
Polling from the Pew Research Center indicates a growing majority of Americans (over 60%) favoring a move away from the Electoral College. Despite this sentiment, Jason Snead, executive director of the pro-Electoral College group Honest Elections Project Action, argues that Democrats seek to eliminate institutions that impede their political power, citing the Supreme Court and Senate filibuster.
The debate over the Electoral College is expected to continue as the 2024 election approaches. While Walz's initial remarks may have stirred controversy, the ultimate fate of the system remains uncertain as Democrats grapple with opposing views on its necessity.
The Electoral College Debate: Democrats Divided on Abolishing the System
