America.gov Elections Expert Will Discuss the Electoral College

22 September 2008

(Ask America webchat September 24 with Michelle Austein)

The Electoral College is the system by which each state appoints electors who choose the U.S. president after the popular vote has been cast. Established by the U.S. Constitution in 1787, the Electoral College forces candidates to reach out beyond the large population centers and campaign in places that would be ignored in a direct election system. But has the Electoral College outlived its usefulness?

On September 24, at 9 a.m. EDT (13:00 GMT), ask all your questions concerning the Electoral College to America.gov elections expert Michelle Austein.

Michelle Austein keeps you up to date on the candidates, issues and quirky happenings in the 2008 campaign — the third national election cycle she has covered — on her America.gov blog, Campaign Trail Talk. In addition to bringing you information on the presidential race, she is coordinating coverage of seven congressional districts across America, each offering a different prism through which to view U.S. politics.

This webchat will take place at http://departmentofstate.acrobat.com/elections08. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program. You may also e-mail questions.

The transcript of this webchat will be available on Ask America’s webchat page, where information about upcoming webchats is also available.