This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In response to Pat Fox-Jacobson ("The popular vote," Nov. 12):
I believe you do not understand the genius of the Electoral College, set up by the Founding Fathers, and how it provides for us who live in less populated or rural areas of this country.
If not for that stroke of genius, our voices would not be heard at all.
You, living in Ogden, may have slightly more influence than we out here in rural Vernal; but even all of Salt Lake City could not begin to compete with a metropolis like New York City or Los Angeles. In other words, if elections were decided by popular vote only, those two cities alone might well decide the presidents of this country. Therefore, I fail to see how that would benefit anyone who lives in Utah! Unless of course you always agree with the big city folks.
I'm certain Abraham Lincoln approved of the Electoral College election process because it does a much better job of representing all the people.
Here is a link I've found that gives a good discussion, not too technical, on the understanding and values of the Electoral College: dailysignal.com/2016/11/07/why-the-founders-created-the-electoral-college.
Mike Karren
Vernal