I strongly encourage you to prioritize reporting on the initiative by 29 members of the Electoral College to have every one of their fellow 538 members briefed on the extent of Russia’s influence in the presidential election before they cast their vote Dec. 19.

It is extremely unlikely that it will alter the result, but, given the original purpose of the Electoral College, it is critical that these people have all the facts possible to consider before casting their ballot.

Given that the countrywide popular vote in the American electoral system is irrelevant, the Electoral College is making an enormously important decision for the 135-plus million people who voted in the 2016 election.

The Electoral College voters owe it to us, the U.S. voters, to make an informed, impartial decision, rather than reinforcing the appearance that it is an anachronism and merely a “rubber-stamping,” ceremonial process mired in party politics.

I believe that it is the responsibility of the media to assist in holding the Electoral College responsible for upholding the original Founding Fathers’ intention as a final check and balance in selecting a “fit” president.

Electors are given the grave responsibility to deliberate and analyze, on behalf of the people, the most qualified candidate, based on intelligence, temperament, moral code of conduct and demonstrated civic contributions to this country.

Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father most responsible for creating the Electoral College, warned: “Every practicable obstacle should be opposed to cabal, intrigue, and corruption … but chiefly from the desire in foreign powers to gain an improper ascendant in our councils.”

Sound familiar?

I urge you to report further on the initiative. As a voter, I suggest you sign an online petition addressed to the current president at petitions.whitehouse.gov.

James Penfold

Kittery

Copy the Story Link