The Looming Threat of America's Electoral System: Why We Need Reform Now

 

The Looming Threat of America's Electoral System: Why We Need Reform Now

The USA: A Flawed Democracy

As America approaches another critical election on November 5, 2024, the country's attention fixates on who will hold the highest office in the land. Yet, this election—like those before it—may still not be decided by the people but by a flawed electoral system. For decades, the Electoral College has repeatedly diverted from the popular vote, putting power in the hands of a system that does not necessarily reflect the majority's voice. Should a candidate who lacks the popular mandate ascend to the presidency again, the consequences could be catastrophic—a “doomsday” scenario that would intensify national divisions and potentially destabilize the country.

In the last six elections, a clear majority of voters have leaned toward Democratic candidates, but due to the Electoral College, this preference translated into victory only half the time. The other three elections delivered Republican presidents, each bringing an era of drastic economic, political, and social upheavals. The Bush administration, for instance, steered the country from a surplus into a staggering $8 trillion debt while embroiling it in costly conflicts abroad. These wars and the following policies drained resources and stunted domestic progress—ramifications that persist today.

The subsequent Republican administration further exposed the vulnerabilities of this system. A leader more focused on personal gain than governance saw the White House turn into an unchecked sphere of influence. This era underscored how broken the system is, culminating in a failure to address the COVID-19 pandemic with the seriousness and speed it required. The pandemic's mishandling led to millions of lives lost—not only in the United States but worldwide—marking a somber testament to the dangers of leadership misaligned with public needs.

Herein lies the central problem: the power wielded by smaller states in the Electoral College. These states, often representing narrower interests, disproportionately influence the outcome, even if they reflect a minority view. As a result, the president-elect may cater to this small segment of the population rather than the broader needs of the entire country. By allowing this outdated model to persist, we continue to risk placing leaders in power who may not have the support or mandate of the American people.

A popular vote system would bring essential reform. It would not only ensure that the president represents the collective voice of the people but would also encourage candidates to address issues affecting all Americans, rather than pandering to a select few. This change could enable a president to lead with a mandate to implement policies for the nation as a whole, upholding the true principles of democracy.

Furthermore, the structure of the Senate calls for equal scrutiny. Currently, states with vastly differing populations wield equal power, which allows smaller states to exert outsized influence, often blocking legislation that could benefit the majority. Adjusting Senate representation would ensure that the voices of larger states and their citizens are adequately represented, fostering a more balanced, fair legislative process.

The United States is often viewed as a beacon of democracy, yet, in its present form, it fails to truly represent its citizens. The independence of states has been integral to American democracy, but without reform, this independence may come at the expense of fairness. Ensuring that every vote counts equally in electing the president and restructuring Senate representation based on population could transform U.S. democracy into a stronger, more resilient model. If the upcoming election once again ignores the popular will, it may finally lay bare the urgent need for reform—before the nation's fundamental principles face irreparable damage.