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John Donvan hosts an Intelligence Squared debate on the Electoral College.

Monday, the Electoral College decides who will be the next president of the United States. As many people know, the winner of the nationwide popular vote doesn't necessarily become president. Last time, Donald Trump lost the popular vote and won the electoral college. This year, Joe Biden won the popular vote by about 7 million votes, and won the Electoral College. 

Five American presidents — two in the last 20 years — have assumed office without winning the popular vote. 

Some people argue that the college subverts the will of the American people by unfairly prioritizing rural and swing states over the nation’s majority. But others say the Electoral College, which the founders established in the Constitution, is necessary to ensure voters in less populous states have a voice in picking our president.

The Electoral College has outlived its usefulness.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

MPR News Staff

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Intelligence Squared debate: Has the Electoral College outlived its usefulness?

Intelligence Squared debate: Has the Electoral College outlived its usefulness?

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