And to the Republic for which it stands

The United States is a republic, as opposed to a pure democracy. The main difference being that a republic has a constitution that protects the rights of the people, no matter who may be in charge at the time; while in a democracy, the majority can pretty much do what it likes. 

As I'm writing this on Tuesday night, the Presidential Election is still ongoing. I don't know yet who the winner will be, but the use of the Electoral College points out one of the differences between a democracy and a republic. In reality, the popular vote doesn't directly affect the presidential election in the United States. The president is elected by the Electoral College. Currently there are 538 electors...one for each Congressperson and Senator for each state...plus 3 for the District of Columbia, And except for Nebraska and Maine, all of the electors in a state are supposed to vote for the same candidate. The winning candidate needs 270 votes to win.

Some states heavily favor one party or the other...the so-called Red States and Blue States. California is heavily Democratic and is a Blue State, while Texas is heavily Republican and is a Red State. It would take a massive swing in the opposite direction for a state to vote other than their traditional party.

When you vote, you're not voting for the president...you're voting for an elector. There are 11 battleground or swing states, that is where one party doesn't have a significant lead. These are the states where your vote means the most. These states are Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

In California, which is where I'm from, there are 55 electors, the most of any state. Each party must select 55 electors. The candidate who gets the most votes, wins, and their 55 electors get to vote in December. There is no requirement for the elector to vote for their party's candidate, although they usually do.

Even though the polls may be closed, or closing, we really won't know who the president will be for another month. And as divisive as this election has been, I won't be surprised if some of the electors decide to vote against their party's choice.

Interesting days

Today - Chaos Never Dies Day, Benjamin Banneker Week and World Freedom Day

Tomorrow - Sesame Street Day and Area Code Day 

Next Wednesday - Button Day, Have a Party with Your Bear Day and Fast Food Day 

December 9 - International Day of Veterinary Medicine, Techno Day, Lost & Found Day and International Anti-Corruption Day