DC Electors

[Fritz]

We all know there is nothing in the Constitution guaranteeing citizens the right to vote for President.  A state's government may appoint Electors however it chooses, and could have the legislature appoint them, rather than hold an election- as was done in South Carolina until after the Civil War.

So, how does this apply to DC? The 23rd amendment says that the District shall appoint electors, in such manner as CONGRESS may direct. Theoretically, could not a Republican controlled Congress appoint electors for DC without any regard to the wishes of DC residents? What could prevent Congress from doing so?

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Very good idea. When I run the world, I'll see how that pans out...

[minionofmidas]

We all know there is nothing in the Constitution guaranteeing citizens the right to vote for President.  A state's government may appoint Electors however it chooses, and could have the legislature appoint them, rather than hold an election- as was done in South Carolina until after the Civil War.

So, how does this apply to DC? The 23rd amendment says that the District shall appoint electors, in such manner as CONGRESS may direct. Theoretically, could not a Republican controlled Congress appoint electors for DC without any regard to the wishes of DC residents? What could prevent Congress from doing so?

Congress can't appoint the electors. It can only make (and presumably cook) the rules under which the district appoints them.

[Teddy (IDS Legislator)]

Couldn't they make the rules that they must pick between 3 persons hand-picked by congress?

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Technically, Congress could choose the DC electors, but as a practical matter, if they did so, or if any state tried to do so in place of the popular vote of that state choosing the electors.  The only sort of electoral shenanigans that could possibly take place these days is have a state select its electors on a proportional or gerrymandered basis to enable a party that would lose a statewide popular vote to nonetheless get some of the electoral votes of that state.

Incidentally, it is possible for DC to have more than 3 electors, but only if every State had more than 3 electors which isn't going to happen anytime soon.

[Jerseyrules]

Very good idea. When I run the world, I'll see how that pans out...

I'll vote for you in D.C. Cathcon!  Today U.S., then tomorrow Cuba, then next week the world....  Anyway I'll make sure your conquests go smoothly