The Electoral College: Reform Proposals in the 108th Congress

Publication Date: April 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Politics

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Abstract:

American voters elect the President and Vice President of the United States under a complex arrangement of constitutional provisions, federal and state laws, and political party practices known as the electoral college system. For additional information on contemporary operation of the system, please consult CRS Report RS20273, The Electoral College: How It Works in Contemporary Presidential Elections, by Thomas H. Neale. Despite occasional close elections, this system has delivered uncontested results in 46 of 50 elections since adoption of the 12th Amendment, effective in 1804.

Throughout this period, nevertheless, it has been the subject of persistent criticism and many reform proposals. Related measures fall into two basic categories: those that would eliminate the electoral college and substitute direct popular election of the President and Vice President, and those that would retain the existing system in some form and correct perceived defects. For additional information on electoral college contingencies and broader aspects of reform proposals, please consult CRS Report RL30804, The Electoral College: An Overview and Analysis of Reform Proposals, by L. Paige Whitaker and Thomas H. Neale. One proposal to reform the electoral college has been offered to date in the 108th Congress, H.J.Res. 28, introduced by Representative Jackson of Illinois. Section 4 of the proposed amendment would "ensure that each Elector votes for the candidate for President and Vice President who received a majority of the popular vote in the State." This report will be updated as legislative events require.