This example (although an exception) magnifies the Electoral College's largest downfall. A candidate can receive 49% of the popular vote in the state and not receive any votes. A democracy is supposed to be a fair representation of the people, and the electoral does not represent the will of the people, only the majority. If a candidate were to win 49% of the popular vote in a few states (especially states like California and New York who have high numbers of electors) and win other smaller states by a landslide, that candidate could safely hold the nation's popular vote and lose by 100 electoral votes. These examples may seem as if they are more like exceptions, but they are the reality.
In the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, Al Gore won the popular vote and George W. Bush won the electoral vote. A true democracy, which elects its leaders for the people and by the people, would not have George W. Bush in the white house right now. Popular vote should dictate the leader of a democracy. The Electoral College violates several parts of the definition of our democracy. The American Heritage College Dictionary defines "democracy" as "1. Government by the people exercised either directly or through directly elected representatives." In 48 of the states of our nation, the electors" names do not appear on the ballot. "3.The common people considered as the primary source of political power." How can the common people consider themselves the primary source of political power if their popular vote is not reflected in the current leader of the nation? They cannot. "4. Majority rule." This is the most obvious and blatant disregard for the people's will. If a candidate wins the majority of votes in the nation, regardless of how slim the margin is, that candidate deserves to lead those people. This idea is innate within the official definition of democracy and in the minds of the American People.
