Democrats Find — in Madison — an Ally in Abolishing the Electoral College

‘The person who gets the most votes should win,’ avers Senator Schatz of Hawaii.

AP/J. Scott Applewhite, file
Vice President Pence presiding over the certification of the Electoral College votes, January 7, 2021. AP/J. Scott Applewhite, file

Replacing the Electoral College with a national popular vote is high on the Democratic wish list. Their criticism of how America chooses its chief executive echoes objections by “the Father of the Constitution,” President Madison, in whom they find an ally.

With the expiration of the 118th Congress this month, Senators Durbin, Schatz, and Welch’s constitutional amendment “to abolish the Electoral College” expired. It aimed “to provide for the direct election of the president and vice president,” expanding campaigns beyond swing states.

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