Jesse Wegman, "Let The People Pick The President" (in conversation with Adam Liptak)

The possibility of getting rid of the Electoral College has been broached in the past, but now, with two of the last five presidential elections won by candidates who lost the popular vote, the system is looking untenable. In this urgent and compelling call to action, Wegman, a member of The New York Times editorial board who writes editorials on the Supreme Court and legal affairs, addresses the concerns of both advocates and opponents of the electoral system. His detailed manifesto looks back to the College’s controversial origins, profiles past attempts to reform it, and shows how a national popular vote would reduce voter apathy, stem polarization, increase election turnout, and restore faith in democracy.