Discussion of the electoral college process is missing

 

[VIDEO] I never heard of NTD. I thought it was a foreign news network, however, I see they're actually based in New York.

Either way this story well actually the first 5 mins at least sets up the many scenarios that could reverse the outcome of this election. When we vote for President & Vice President we actually are voting for a slate of electors. Each state has their rules and laws for electors and also bear in mind the US Supreme Court rules on this idea of "'faithless electors" this year in fact. I feel as if this discussion of our electoral system is missing in the media right now of course I could be wrong.

Anyone on path for Trump to even think he might change the results of this election in his favor is using the Supreme Court, of course time may tell if he's able to get them to take this on.

Another situation explore here involves the role of the state legislatures in certifying the election. They mention specifically Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. I know for sure Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin has Republican controlled legislators and they might decide to choose the electors who will cast the official votes for President.

I just found this USA Today article which explains the concept. The idea that a state legislator would effectively contradict the will of the people is unprecedented. It has never really happened in our history.

Another possibility is also at play. What if this election was so deadlocked that we go to the next phase? One that in my recollection of history hasn't occurred since 1824. The US House of Representatives elect the next president - a contingent election. Each state in spite of house large or small their delegations are, only get one vote and the prospective President has to get 26 votes. There are 50 states and that candidate has to get a plurality.

A few things the US Constitution mandates that the President is to be elected by an electoral college which consists of the number of representatives and senators. For example Illinois has 20 electoral votes with 18 representatives and 2 senators - and every state has two senators. In this state winner takes all once the election is certified so if a President wins the popular vote in Illinois they get all of the Land of Lincoln's electoral votes. Every state does it differently, however, this method is the most common.

With this said aside from how electoral votes are allocated from state to state the constitution doesn't really say how electors are chosen other than allowing the state legislators to determine how they're chosen. So we're in some unusual territory in our quirky electoral system. Perhaps a few different scenarios to consider right now.