Who should elect the President-the popular vote or the Electoral College?

The Electoral College is a complex and often confusing fact of political life in the United States. In short, the Electoral College was written into the Constitution as a compromise between those who wanted only the popular vote (the vote of the people) to elect the President and those who wanted only Congress to elect the President. Each state is given at least 3 electors. Each state is given more electors based on their representation in Congress. For example, Oregon has 2 Senators and 5 Representatives, which means we have 7 electors. In order to win the office, the candidate must receive at least 270 Electoral votes. Now, when people cast their votes for President in the United States they are actually voting for an elector who will represent their vote in the Electoral College. Most states have a "winner-take-all" system whereby the elector who receives the most votes will then get all of that state's electoral votes. For example, whichever candidate the majority of Oregonians vote for will get all 7 of our electoral votes. This is why a candidate may win more votes in the popular vote (because more people voted for him or her) but still lose the election because the Electoral College may award more electoral votes to another candidate. This is what happened in the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Gore won more popular votes but lost in the Electoral College and therefore lost the election. Some groups appreciate the Electoral College because it allows states with small populations to still have a say in the Presidential election. There have been efforts to reform this system. For example, some groups believe that the people should directly elect the President so the election results would more accurately and consistently reflect what the people want. So, what do you think? Should the Electoral College continue to be used so all states have a say in who is elected or should the President be elected based on the people's vote? Remember, this system of electing the President was written into the Constitution by the Founding Fathers. As always, please use your name when posting a reply so you can actually address one another.

Who should be allowed to vote?

Currently, one must be 18 years old, not imprisoned in a penitentiary, and a citizen of the United States in order to vote. It is estimated that over 5 million Americans do not have the right to vote due to felony convictions. Some say that once a serious crime is committed, that person has given up their right to vote for a lifetime while others argue that voting rights must automatically be restored once that person has been rehabilitated back into society. What do you think? Should individuals be permitted to vote in elections even after being convicted of a crime or should they lose that right for good? If they do lose that right, what message does that send to individuals in society? If they keep that right, what message does that send? What about people who have immigrated to this country and have not yet become citizens-should they have a say in local, state, and federal governments even though they are not officially citizens? The policies of each level of government often directly impacts their lives and considering they pay taxes (sales, state, and/or income) should that guarantee them a voice in the government? *When posting, please use a name so you can talk back and forth to one another rather than to "anonymous." Thanks!*

Should you care about our government?

Since elementary school, we have all learned that the United States is a democracy. We've also learned that a democracy means that all people are allowed to participate-to share ideas, concerns, problems, and worries with those we have elected. But does that mean anything to you? Why do you think some people choose to remain quiet when it comes to casting their vote? Does it have to do with not caring, not knowing what to believe, not feeling like their vote or voice matters, or something else? Why do you think some people choose to get involved by voting, protesting, registering neighbors to vote, writing editorials to the newspaper, and other means to making sure their voice is heard? Write a few of your ideas here on why some people practice what they've learned in history class and why others completely ignore it.

Democracy is a Verb

Here are three great reasons why you should participate on this blog:

1. This blog is all about democracy and democracy is all about hearing all points of view. Therefore, this blog needs to hear your voice.
   
2. You have ideas, opinions, frustrations, concerns, and solutions. Here is your chance to publicize those thoughts for all to read.
3. Telling other people what you think is empowering. Hearing what other people have to say is informing. Writing and reading on this blog will help make you well-informed, which makes your ideas and thoughts stronger.
   

Once school resumes we will begin posting questions, providing links to videos, and asking for your opinion so check back at the beginning of September to see how you can exercise your voice.