bcla
On our rugged Eastern foothills.....
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2012
It's up to the states (technically their legislatures) to decide how to apportion electors. There were many ways to do it, and what we have just sort of became the way it is today. There are a couple of states where electors are won for each Congressional district but the overall state popular vote winner gets two electors based on the Senators. There's nothing that specifically requires that there be a popular vote. A state legislature could pass a law granting the Governor the power to appoint electors. They could allow each of their members of the House to select an elector. A state legislature could require a majority rather than a plurality, along with a runoff if there's no majority. Early in the history of Presidential elections, some states appointed electors who were free to choice whoever they wanted.Running for president and taking the oath of office as per constitution are very separate actions with numerous steps in between. Every state controls their balloting process. If one wishes to primary for either of the majority parties, there are likely additional guidelines from state party leadership or established ruling documents. The electoral college adds additional elements of intricacy.
But the real irony was that there was never really a thought that the Electoral College would consistently choose a President and Vice President. It was supposed to go into chaos, and then Congress would pick a President and Vice President in a contingent election.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contingent_election