Electoral College vs. National Popular Vote

Back in Feb. 2007, supporters of the National Popular Vote initiative – a state-based legislative initiative which would allow the states to essentially "bypass" the Electoral College System – hoped to have won the support of enough states to have their plan in effect for the 2008 presidential election. While that’s not going to happen, until at least 2012, the move has gained momentum.

In rare presidential election years, like 2000, when the winner of the popular vote (Al Gore) ends up the loser, the Electoral College system comes under the heaviest fire.

However, in every presidential election, one problem with the Electoral College emerges: once the major candidates decide that certain states are "locked up" on their side, they tend to ignore those states and spend all their time campaigning in – and catering to – voters in the remaining small number of undecided or "battleground" states. This trend is likely to be repeated in the 2008 campaign, as political analysts consider only about 19 states to remain undecided between the eventual Democratic or Republican candidates.

Also See:
The Electoral College System
How to Lose But Win an Election
Electoral College Not the Founders' First Choice
Why Keep the Electoral College?