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Could someone please explain these to me?
From what I understand, say for instance, the populous of Florida votes Kerry. But the electoral votes can still go Bush? That can't possibly be right, can it? What the fuck is the point of voting if that's how it works?
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Electoral votes
#1
Amber-Nicole 
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Posted 01 November 2004 - 04:33 PM
"And there's not a bloody thing the king of Sweden can do about it!" -Ninja Duck (Hey, somebody had to use it. ~_^)
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#2
SimeSublime
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Posted 07 November 2004 - 11:55 PM
I have no idea, but you raise an interesting point. I didn't see this topic before, so I assume thats why it's gone unanswered. So, bump, I guess.
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JM's official press secretary, scientific advisor, diplomat and apparent antagonist?
#3
reiner
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Posted 08 November 2004 - 08:09 AM
Actually that is correct. The populace can vote for a certain candidate and the people selected to cast the electoral votes can go another way. They usually go by the popular vote though.
#4
Slade
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Posted 08 November 2004 - 08:04 PM
How it works is the popular vote decides which party gets the electoral votes. If the Democrats win the state then they get all of the electoral votes for the state, and vice versa for the Republicans. While the electoral college members can vote against the party, that would cause instant rioting and lynchings. Most states have a law that prevents that I think.
The whole system was designed to make due with the late 1700s. No public education, no one knew who their canidates were, or what their stance was, so the uneducated had their votes cast for them by those more knowledgeable.
Of course, the whole system has been out of date for over a hundred years - We have mass media and education, and the whole thing makes canidates only pretend to care about certain states that are said to swing one way or the other, and it's an all or nothing thing, so unless your state wins, then your vote is useless. But every time reform is brought before congress it is almost unanimously voted down. Lets you know what the politicians think of the common man, eh?
The whole system was designed to make due with the late 1700s. No public education, no one knew who their canidates were, or what their stance was, so the uneducated had their votes cast for them by those more knowledgeable.
Of course, the whole system has been out of date for over a hundred years - We have mass media and education, and the whole thing makes canidates only pretend to care about certain states that are said to swing one way or the other, and it's an all or nothing thing, so unless your state wins, then your vote is useless. But every time reform is brought before congress it is almost unanimously voted down. Lets you know what the politicians think of the common man, eh?
This space for rent. Inquire within.
#5
Creaux
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Posted 09 November 2004 - 12:49 PM
What a system! A relative of mine (not direct ancestor, but 1st or 2nd cousin) narrowly lost an election, having won the popular vote. Samuel J Tilden.
DAMN YOU, RUTHERFORD B. HAYES!
http://en.wikipedia....amuel_J._Tilden
DAMN YOU, RUTHERFORD B. HAYES!
http://en.wikipedia....amuel_J._Tilden
#6
Slade
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 10:34 AM
I still say Dewey defeated Truman in all 49 states... I'll be damned before I recognize Missoura!
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#7
Despondent
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 10:51 AM
QUOTE (Creaux @ Nov 9 2004, 12:49 PM)
What a system! A relative of mine (not direct ancestor, but 1st or 2nd cousin) narrowly lost an election, having won the popular vote. Samuel J Tilden
Our Eighth president, Martin Van Buren is an ancestor. Grandpop is a VB and has a remarkable resemblance. No muttonchops though. AND, an active congressman is a 4th cousin on my father's side (big whoop.) We're s'posed to do lunch soon.
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