Presidential campaigns would change significantly under an
estimated popular vote (EPV) system (“Time to reassess Electoral
College,” Oct. 28 Opinion). Yes, I mean “estimated,” as reported
totals contain errors – both accidental and intentional. For
example, Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers
proved increased humidity causes expanded ballot sheets to often
miss electronic vote choices. And candidates, instead of
campaigning in competitive states, would focus on one-party
dominant states to run up huge vote margins. A national EPV
would encourage many interests to file candidates and make it
unlikely that any candidate could achieve the majority rule
principle that popular-vote supporters advocate. Realizing this
difficulty, the most prominent EPV proposals settle for a 40
percent vote to win the presidency and provide for a runoff
election if no candidate even receives 40 percent. This runoff
provision adds significant additional costs, and undoubtedly
results in decreased voter participation.