🗓️ It's the first week of November, and here in the United States that means it is almost Election Day. The US presidential election is one of the most closely watched events in the world with a lot of people waiting to see who will win. However, presidential elections in the United States can be confusing because a key part of the process is the Electoral College system. But how does this system work, and why was it created in the first place? And why doesn't the United States just elect the person who gets the most votes?

🗳️ In this episode, we explain the history and controversy surrounding the Electoral College, and why the popular vote doesn't always determine the winner. You'll learn about the original intentions behind this unique voting system, the role of electors, and the ongoing debates around its fairness and relevance in modern times. We’ll explore how the system still impacts elections today, giving extra influence to rural states and, at times, allowing candidates to win without the majority of vote. You'll also learn about the concept of "swing states" and which states will determine the next president of the United States.

🇺🇸 Whether you're a US citizen or just fascinated by American politics, understanding the Electoral College is crucial to making sense of presidential elections. By the end of the episode, you'll have a much clearer picture of this complex and sometimes confusing aspect of the US democratic process. Tune in and take a step closer to mastering English while staying informed about U.S. culture!

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📜 SOURCES

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nebraskas-blue-dot-prove-pivotal-electoral-college/story?id=115274378

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/22/1201183160/taylor-swift-instagram-voter-registration

https://x.com/tbonier/status/1828457890228629534

https://www.vox.com/politics/23848897/florida-red-trump-desantis-republican-2024-election

📝 Vocabulary List:

1) Electoral College - the system in the US where electors from each state vote to elect the president, rather than a direct popular vote

2) Discretion - the freedom to make decisions or choices

3) Literacy - the ability to read and write

4) Fraction - a small part of something

5) Diverse - including people of many different races, cultures, etc.

6) Rural - relating to the countryside rather than the town

7) Swing state - a state where voters are fairly evenly divided between the two main political parties, so it could go either way in an election

8) Voter registration - the process of signing up to be eligible to vote in an election

9) Upset - a surprising defeat of the expected winner

10) It pains me - an expression used to convey emotional distress or sadness about a particular situation