Democracy Forum 3/15/19

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Democracy Forum

News & Politics


The Electoral College: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Host: Ann Luther, League of Women Voters of Maine Engineer: Amy Browne Key Discussion Points: The electoral college. its historical origins and the founders’ intent, The practical implications for modern American politics, Proposals for reform, including the National Popular Vote (NPV). Guests: Mark Brewer, Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine Jamie Raskin, Professor Law at American University Washington College of Law and U.S. Congressman representing Maryland’s 8th District Patrick Rosenstiel, CEO of Ainsley Shea, a Minneapolis-based public relations firm working to advance the National Popular Vote. To learn more, follow these links to related content: As American as Apple Pie? The Rural Vote’s Disproportionate Slice of Power Emily Badger in The New York Times, November, 2016. The real reason we have an Electoral College: to protect slave states Sean Illing interviews Akhil Reed Amar in Vox, November, 2016. The Electoral College badly distorts the vote. And it’s going to get worse. Katy Collin in The Washington Post, November, 2016. Don’t Believe the Myths about the National Popular Vote, Saul Anuzis, The Hill, May, 2018. Constitutional Law Professor Drops Bombshell on `Forgotten Americans’ at Democrats’ Electoral College Meeting, Jamie Raskin, Alternet December, 2016. An Idea for Electoral College Reform That Both Parties Might Actually Like, Edward B. Foley, Politico January, 2019. Alternative view: National Popular Vote would amplify Maine voices and empower small states, Patrick Rosenstiel in the Maine Wire, March 10, 2019. The all-volunteer team at the League of Women Voters – Downeast who plan and coordinate this series includes: Starr Gilmartin, Maggie Harling, Sheila Kirby, Ann Luther, Maryann Ogonowski, Pam Person, Leah Taylor, Linda Washburn FMI re League of Women Voters of Maine: www.lwvme.org