[risk]

I don't want to take you to task over it, but it forms a hybrid out of a system that is already complicated by the separation of EC and popular votes. Try explaining the EC concept and yours to kids in civics classes! As it stands we can tell them that their EC votes in the president no matter what. If you thought you could teach middle schoolers what your system meant to the election process, I would consider it.

[Remember_Salamis]

"I don't want to take you to task over it, but it forms a hybrid out of a system that is already complicated by the separation of EC and popular votes. Try explaining the EC concept and yours to kids in civics classes! As it stands we can tell them that their EC votes in the president no matter what. If you thought you could teach middle schoolers what your system meant to the election process, I would consider it."

-- First off, you're using the same argument to defend the EC that the NYT is using to attack it. Anyways, I'll explain it as if I were talking to a middle schooler:

1. In America, we do not directly elect our president, and we never have.

2. Instead, we "elect the electors".

3. As a voter, your vote for president really counts three times, once for your Congressional district and twice for your state.

4. These "electors" then have to vote for the candidate their constituency chose

5. These totals are added up, the person with the most votes wins

6. If there's a tie for some reason, it gets a little bit complicated.

6a. It will be decided by having each state vote for who they want.

6b. The state will decide who they vote for by having all of their congressmen get together and deciding.

6c. If they cannot decide, the state gets no vote.

6d. If there is again a tie between the number of states, the Senate then gets to vote for president.

6e. If the Senate again ties, the Vice president will break the tie, which happens in every senate vote.

6f. The Constitution is not clear on whether the old Vice President or the new Vice President will break the tie, but it is most likely the old president.

7. Questions?