Explaining Electoral Math

Lindsey Woodyard, staff writer

Virginia21 and the Math Club co-hosted the electoral college event on Oct. 19. Political Science Assistant Professor Connie Jorgensen gave a lecture on how the electoral college works, and Mathematics Instructor Justin Storer gave an analysis of our voting system.

Jorgensen explained how the electoral college chooses the president and vice president based on the popular vote. The electoral college is designed to give a voice to smaller states who would otherwise be overpowered by more populated states.

PVCC President Frank Friedman said that rules are what make democracy work. Following the rules is what ensures a smooth transition of power.

Storer elaborated on the limitations of the American voting process. He explained how presidential candidates could win the electoral college nomination with only 20 percent of the popular vote. He said he is outraged at the disparity between the popular vote and the potential outcome of the electoral college nomination, and he hopes to analyze the voting process in a way that people can understand.

Grayson Katzenbach, president of PVCC’s chapter of Virginia21, said, “A lot of college students feel that their vote doesn’t count. So, teaching them about the electoral college shows them how their vote counts.”