The Electoral College: Why Do We Do It This Way?

The electoral college is a system unlike any other in American democracy. Why does it exist? Ramtin Arablouei and Rund Abdelfatah explored that question on a recent episode of NPR's history podcast, Throughline. Find them on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

NPR senior political editor and correspondent Ron Elving explains why more Republicans now support the electoral college — and whether that's likely to change.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Brianna Scott, Lee Hale, Brent Baughman, and Connor Donovan. It was edited by Sami Yenigun with help from Wynne Davis and Krishnadev Calamur. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.