Thomas Durham delineated three reasons to "Keep Electoral College" (Forum, Nov. 8), but there's not enough supporting evidence for any of them.

He states that "Utah would probably be ignored even more than we already are." Neither Sen. Barack Obama nor Sen. John McCain visited Utah after the conventions. Neither ran local TV ads. Neither party held a rally. How could Utah be ignored more?

He says "the current system" "blunts the rise of extreme political movements and wild splinter parties." He cites Ralph Nader and Ross Perot, who headed the Green and Reform party tickets. This is a gross mischaracterization of two mainstream, albeit small, parties.

Durham points out that the "Electoral College results usually exaggerate the popular vote." This is true and has detrimental consequences. Obama did not win a runaway victory; it was a fairly close margin. Therefore, voters didn't give him an overwhelming mandate. If he governs that way, Obama risks alienating 58 million people.

Every senator, representative, governor, mayor and state legislator is elected by popular vote. Only the highest, most important officer in the land isn't. It's time to change that.

James J. Schnitter?Utah coordinator, National Popular Vote

Salt Lake City