Popular Vote

I just read an interesting argument about the popular vote and how it is meaningless. The article was essentially about the futility and nonsense of people who complain about the popular vote not being properly represented in the electoral voting and how winning the popular vote does not mean winning the election. I have to say I side with the "complainers" and not with the article. The writer talks about how the candidates campaign specifically with the electoral college in mind and create their strategy accordingly. I think this is obvious, but it still doesn't change the fact that the popular vote portrays the pulse of the voting population and regardless of how the candidates and their supporters choose to spend their time and influence, the votes still represent what the people want.

I think that the popular vote *not* winning an election is the best example possible of a failed electoral process.

If I could put my 2 cents into election reform, then it would include:

• Instead of public money being available to any specific party or candidate, I would like to see the money being used by the government to try to educate voters of a clear picture of what the candidates stand for. As a registered voter, I would like the federal election committee to send me a packet of information that contains information about (as well as by) the candidates so that I can make a side-by-side comparison and choose my favorite. There should be unbiased information as well as maybe statements by the candidates themselves. How does one get into this packet, you ask? Using the same technique used to get candidates on the ballots would be a good starting point.
• Drop the electoral college. Let's use the popular vote. Let's do it electronically, too. If the pentagon can handle hundreds of attacks every day, then they should be able to handle an election. People talk about the security risks, but I don't see them being any higher than now. Provide public secure machines for voting at the voter venues if necessary. Let me vote from work. Hire an outside auditor to ensure there is one vote per registered voter... hire 10 and compare notes if necessary.

These are just a couple of ideas that I could see improving our system some. McCain is using $84 million in public campaign financing this year. Obama is turning his down. $170 million would be a great start in getting some of the reform items under way.

I am also tired of the fact that this election seems to be more about getting a woman or minority in office than about how to make this country better. The media is playing on it as well as voters. There are reports all the time of people turning to the McCain camp because Palin gives them "hope". Hope in what? Hope that having a woman in office will mean more equality? This could happen, but at what expense? What about when McCain passes on before his term is up and we all of a sudden have Palin in office. I do not believe that a few years as a small-town Alaskan mayor followed with a couple years as governor (in a role she exploited to serve her own personal interests) qualify as necessary and adequate experience for becoming president of the strongest power in the (somewhat) free world.

I will step down now, but I am annoyed with what is happening these days in this country.