Alex Keyssar
Matthew W. Stirling, Jr. Professor of History and Social Policy
Electoral College
The Electoral College is a peculiar, centuries-old system for choosing American presidential election winners, leaving many to question: Should we reform or abolish the practice?
Related Programs
The Electoral College is viewed as a democratic anachronism in modern-day America, yet it has persisted for over two centuries despite repeated attempts to reform or abolish the institution.
Ash Center experts, including Matthew W. Stirling, Jr. Professor of History and Social Policy Alex Keyssar, are studying this institution and driving conversations about its role in the future of American democracy.
Explore the below events, research, and commentary to learn more about our work on the Electoral College.
Meet the Expert
The Latest News and Research
Podcast
Democracy Paradox: Alexander Keyssar on Why We Still Have the Electoral College
Alex Keyssar sits down with Democracy Paradox in an episode sponsored by the Ash Center for a discussion of his book, Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?
Feature
Moving beyond the Electoral College
At an Ash Center symposium on Electoral College reform, Congressman Jamie Raskin makes the case that the US should finally move to a direct popular vote for selecting presidential winners.
Feature
The Electoral College: What’s to be Done
During an opening panel at an Ash Center symposium on the future of the Electoral College, scholars examined the history behind how the US adopted its peculiar centuries-old system of choosing presidential election winners – and what should be done to reform or even abolish the practice today.
Additional Resource
Resource Page — The Electoral College: What’s to be Done
The Electoral College is viewed as a democratic anachronism in modern-day America, yet it has persisted for over two centuries despite repeated attempts to reform or abolish the institution. To build off of an Ash Center symposium hosted in April 2024, our scholars and researchers continue to seek answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding why the Electoral College has remained impervious to change for so long and what are the prospects for reform. Below, we invite you to explore several resources geared toward resolving these enduring debates.
Book
Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?
In Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?, Alexander Keyssar explores the institution’s origins and persistent survival despite widespread public opposition, showing how partisan interests and constitutional barriers have repeatedly derailed reform.