Whose Vote Counts?

Tyler Comrie / New York Times

Following the events of November 8th, and increasing in volume since, was a call to abolish the Electoral College. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by a wide margin but was denied the presidency. On the face of it, it certainly seemed unfair, if not downright wrong. 

I was a holdout though, believing that while the Electoral College is a flawed system, both candidates played under the same rules. Both candidates spent their time, money, and energy criss-crossing the same "battleground states" and both mapped out their electoral strategy based on amassing those 270 votes. 

But I guess I am tired of having nothing more than a symbolic vote for president. In a New York Times editorial today, the Times' Editorial Board laid out a solid case for finally getting rid of this antiquated system. I am finally sold.

Why should my vote "count less" because I live in New York?  That's not my fault -- that's my choice.  I don't want to live in Ohio, although they seem to decide the election every four years.  I don't want to live in Wyoming, even though their votes count far more in relation to mine.  If by eliminating the Electoral College and choosing a president by popular vote means that smaller, less populous states might not have as big an influence as the larger states, so be it. 

Nearly 3 million more people wanted Hillary Clinton to be the next president.  The people have spoken.  Except that the system that was created over 300 years ago didn't hear them.   It's time to listen up.