Reform, retain or abolish: IW to host Electoral College debate

MT. PLEASANT — Wednesday, Nov. 2, Iowa Wesleyan University will host an Electoral College public debate sponsored by the IW Honors Program.

The debate discussing the pros and cons of the Electoral College voting system will begin at 7 p.m. in the IW Chapel.

Speakers for the event include Mt. Pleasant Resident Bob Mueller, Policy Director for Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation John Hendrickson, and Associate Professor of History and Director of the honors program Dr. Jeffery Houghtby.

Mueller, a self-proclaimed “political junkie” holds a degree in economics from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

He is active in the Mt. Pleasant community through IowaWINs, PFLAG, Veterans for Peace, and the Iowa Green Party.

Mueller will argue that the Electoral College should be reformed.

With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History from the University of North Dakota, Hendrickson will argue for the retention of the Electoral College.

Finally, Houghtby will explore the argument that the Electoral College should be abolished.

Previously, Houghtby made such arguments against the Electoral College at IW’s Constitution Day event, last month.

“The Electoral College violates the principle that we all claim to embrace,” Houghtby said. “It is the principle of ‘One Person, One Vote.’ It is the promise of equal representation.”

The public is invited to learn more on the topic at the event.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com