The Electoral College system is a unique feature of the American democracy. It is different from other countries as they have a direct election of the head of state instead of the indirect election by the elected representatives that we have in America.
There are many special features and distinctive characteristics that make this electoral college very important for America, and here are reasons why electoral college is important.
[toc]
15 Benefits Of Electoral College For Country
The electoral college is a representative democracy. It helps in electing the president of the US every four years. As this country has fifty states, each state has several electors as per their population which adds up to 538 electors.
At least 270 electoral votes are required to elect a president. It is important to take note that the number of electors in each state is based on their population and representation. In case you have been wondering about the importance of the Electoral College in elections.
So, here are some benefits why Electoral College is important for countries democracy.
1. Electoral College Is A Mechanism For Stable Elections
As it gives only the majority votes to the president with direct voting, there are chances of the victory being challenged by people who feel that the other candidate was more entitled to win. All the states have different procedures for counting the votes and how the recounts are counted.
But with the electoral college system, this possibility is ruled out because it ensures stable elections.
2. Electoral College Ensures A Majority Vote
With the presidential election and direct voting system, it is very easy to get a simple majority of votes. But with the electoral college, you need not only get a majority but also secure at least 270 out of 538 electors to win.
3. Every Person’s Vote Matters In Electoral College
There are times when a presidential candidate wins with a big margin. But in the case of direct voting, the elected president may have got only 51% of the votes- which is not at all good for any country.
This system also ensures that no president gets elected with a margin of one vote. And the only time when an election may result in a tie is if two candidates get all the votes and there is no provision for the elector’s voting.
4. Electoral College Provides A Fairer Representation
Every state gets to choose electors based on their number of representatives in Congress. This means that they get a fair representation as every vote counts the same. Also, there is no possibility of unrepresented states as each has an elector.
So, by the electoral college, there will be a fairer election without any voter fraud or buying.
Reference Video-Why Is The Electoral College Important?
5. Electoral College Promotes Unity Of The Country
A candidate can win an election based on his or her popularity in a few states and lose out to the other candidate in majority votes. But with an Electoral College system, such results are ruled out as every state gets one elector which makes it important for all voters to contribute to the results.
6. Electoral College Can Put An End To The Popular Vote
With direct voting, if the votes are divided in favor of multiple candidates, there is no provision for an elector to vote on behalf of any one candidate. But with the electoral college system, this possibility does not arise as every state gets only one elector.
7. Electoral College Can Get The Best Candidates Take Part In Elections
In a direct voting system, it is possible that candidates with lesser popularity don’t show up and popular candidates win the elections. But with the electoral college, every candidate is expected to participate, and lesser-known candidates also can come forward and take part in elections.
8. Electoral College Ensures Checks And Balances
In a direct voting system, the president is likely to be surrounded by unelected advisors who may have disproportionate influence. But with the electoral college, there is no possibility of such results as each elector only gets one vote.
The winner has to take on board even those who had voted against him/her.
9. Electoral College Ensures A Wider Participation
In direct voting, voters from a few key states may overshadow those from other states. But with the electoral college, no one state gets excluded as each has an elector.
All state electors cast the votes by the electoral college.
10. Electoral College Can Prevent Voter Fraud And Buying
In a direct voting system, the votes in a state can be calculated to get a simple majority. It is also possible that a candidate may try to influence the voters with money. But with the electoral college, there is no possibility of such results as each elector gets only one vote.
11. Electoral College Promotes Better Voter Turnout
With a direct voting system, voters from a few states may be more enthusiastic to vote than those from the remaining states- leading to voter turnouts. But with the electoral college, this never happens as each elector gets one vote and everyone needs to cast their ballots.
By electoral college, voter turnout rate becomes less as every elector consists of one vote and must cast their vote.
12. Electoral College Can Make A Difference In The Final Results
With a direct voting system, the results can vary based on the number of voters who come out to vote. But with the electoral college, there is no possibility of such results as every elector gets only one vote.
13. Electoral College Can Ensure Equal Representation
With a direct voting system, different states may get more important than others in the final results. But with Electoral College, everyone’s voice gets equal importance, and all states are represented equally in the final results.
There will be voters’ fraud or vote-buying every state is treated equally by the electoral college.
14. Electoral College Is An Important Part Of The Constitution
In a direct voting system, smaller states may get ignored as the winner is decided by the number of votes- leading to uniform representation. But with Electoral College, no state gets neglected, and everyone’s voice gets equal importance in the final results.
15. Electoral College Can Overcome The Problem Of Swing States
With a direct voting system, candidates may target only a few states where elections are quite close. But with Electoral College, every state has equal importance, and no candidate can win without securing at least 270 out of 538 electors.
So, by this, there will be a fair election because of the electoral college.
Importance Of Electoral College-Conclusion
By reading this article we come to know the importance of the electoral college for a country. As we look at it from a general perspective, you will find that there is no denying its significance as it ensures proper representation and does not control by one individual or party.
It’s not just the larger states that get a voice, but every state gets equal attention, and everyone’s vote counts equally.