Certified and sealed lists of the votes of the electors in each state are mailed to the president of the U.S. Senate who opens them in the presence of members of the Senate and House of Representatives. After all votes are counted and if there isn t a majority for president, the House chooses a president from among the three highest candidates, with all representatives from each state combining to cast one vote for that state. For vice president, if no candidate has a majority, the Senate chooses from the top two, with the senators voting as individuals. The Senate killed the most recent attempt to abolish the Electoral College in 1979. Despite criticism against the Electoral College, political experts have pointed out its benefits.
Some supporters maintain that there simply is no better solution.
They point out that many of the complaints about the Electoral College could apply to the Senate and, to some extent, the House. They fear that reform could lead to dismantling of the federal system. Another argument in favor is that the present method serves American democracy by fostering a two-party system and thwarting the rise of splinter parties such as those that have plagued some European democracies. Supporters also argue that the Electoral College system democratically reflects population centers by giving urban areas electoral power where the most votes naturally occur. Especially the big and small states.