The problem is the Electoral College. It is biased in favor of small states and is anti-democratic. It may have served once to counteract an illiterate, uniformed electorate (debatable). But times have changed, as they often say. Getting rid of the anachronism by constiutional amendment is highly unlikely, but another path is being pursued that has great chance of success. The National Popular Vote Compact could allow states willing to elect the president and vice president by popular vote to pledge their Electoral College votes to whoever wins the popular vote in the state.
States with 205 electoral votes have already signed the Compact. [see map]. Maine has recently voted to pledge its 4 electoral votes to the Compact. Maine's Democratic governor is expected to sign the bill once it gets out of the legislature where another vote is necessary to pass it. The Compact does not go into effect until a majority of the 270 Electoral College votes are committed. The goal is getting closer; a big state like Michigan or Pennsylvania voting to join would be enough to put the agreement into effect. Admittedly the Compact is a work around, but given the current political gridlock it would work. Thank you, founders!
