ECU to host public discussion about presidential elections

(Feb. 15, 2001)   —   “The Electoral College: Lose It or Use It,” a public discussion program with insights about the controversial system of electing Presidents of the United States, will be held at East Carolina University, Feb. 28.

Drawing on members of the ECU history and political science faculty, the program begins at 7 p.m. in Room 1032 of the Bate (General Classroom) Building. The public is invited.

“The viability of the Electoral College has been the subject of long debate and is an issue of critical importance to the function of American democracy,” said Dr. Richard C. Kearney, the chairperson of the ECU Department of Political Science.

He said the program will provide historical information as well as evidence from the most recent election in which President George Bush became the nation’s chief executive after gathering the most Electoral College votes while losing to former Vice President Al Gore in the popular vote count.

Kearney will serve as moderator for a panel of faculty experts who will offer their opinions and insights about the elections system. Panel members include Dr. Michael Palmer, chair of the Department of History; Dr. Brian W. Smith, a political science professor; and Dr. Carmine P. Scavo, a political scientist.

Palmer will talk about the history of the Electoral College. Smith will offer the policy alternatives to the Electoral College, and Scavo will provide a commentary on the issue. Following their presentations, the panel members will take questions from members of the audience.

The departments of History and Political Science are sponsors for the program.

Contact: ECU News Bureau | 252-328-6481