The Miami Herald editorial "Get rid of anachronistic Electoral College so every vote counts the same" (Opinion, Nov. 6) argues that our system of selecting presidents is outdated and inferior to simply deciding by popular vote. Don't you believe it -- especially if you are from Utah.

Less-populous states such as Utah would probably be ignored even more than we already are if the Electoral College were abolished. Do you really think national candidates who need only a majority of the popular vote would spend serious time here? The large population centers would dictate campaign activity and election outcomes. Your vote as a Utahn packs more punch because of the Electoral College.

Because of its winner-take-all outcome, the current system also blunts the rise of extreme political movements and wild splinter parties, such as those of Ralph Nader and Ross Perot.

Finally, because Electoral College results usually exaggerate the popular vote (Obama garnered twice as many electoral votes as McCain but only 6 percent more of the popular vote), it bestows upon the president-elect an investiture of power and national confidence all Americans can recognize.

Thomas L. Durham

Sandy