“One man, one vote” is a great slogan, but with a large, diverse electorate, it simply is not practical.
Any modern country that utilizes direct popular vote requires a runoff when no candidate receives more than half the votes – or selection by an elected group similar to our system.
During the last century, half of U.S. presidential elections were won by a candidate that did not have a majority vote, including Bill Clinton, twice.
Runoffs have two major problems. First, the delay with no top official. Second, the dealing for power between the losers and the two winners, which greatly subverts the will of the people.
The runoff of 1932 in Germany led to Hitler’s rise to power, and Germany has not used direct popular vote since.
Our forefathers were very wise. They came up with the electoral system in the Constitution and revised it with the 12th Amendment, after experiencing the problems of the first elections. Defending the electoral system, Alexander Hamilton said, “It is not perfect, just excellent.” So let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.
Richard W. Riethmiller
Pagosa Springs
