Abolish antique relic

Re the youngster who wrote in regards to abolishing the Electoral College, all I can say is he showed wisdom beyond his years.

While opponents of ending the Electoral College will often cite reasons like giving small states a say, I would counter with this:

Consider Republicans in California. How many do you think don’t even bother voting for president? Under the present system, they have to know that their vote is basically meaningless because there is a 100 percent chance of the Democratic candidate getting all of California’s electoral votes.

Conversely, add up all the Democrats in small “red” states who similarly decide not to vote for their candidate for the same reason.

With the direct popular vote determining the president, all have the same say, and I believe it would have a unifying effect on the country. To hell with the whole “red state” and “blue state” trope.

The point is, while it might have been well-intentioned, America has changed, and the Electoral College is a big source of the current division and polarization in our country. My prediction: If we were to ever be rid of the Electoral College, you would have turnout that would make the 2020 election seem small.

I have long been in favor of abolishing this antique relic of the past. And I say that even though Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris, who I voted for, won both the popular vote and the Electoral College this time.

RICHARD MOORE

Little Rock