If we're really focused on opening the presidential election...and all other elections...to wider participation and a more inclusive electoral process, we would be working toward "preferential balloting", also called "rank order" balloting.  Such a system allows third-party and independent candidates to participate on a far more "level playing field."  Currently, voters must worry that their support for such a candidate might actually and inadvertently help elect the candidate they least favor.  

The suggestion to adopt a porportional distribution of electoral votes instead of "winner take all" is interesting and would significantly change the strategies of presidential elections...The importance of 'battleground states" would likely diminish and we'd see a system which would, I think, more mirror the popular vote.  

Interesting stuff...................Gary Crum