Talk:Unpledged elector

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Elections and Referendums

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Untitled[edit]

I think this page could use a little more explanation of what exactly an unpledged elector is, and why they aren't pledged to a certain candidate. This is particularly important for non-Americans who aren't familiar with the Electoral College. -R. fiend 07:30, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)

10 months on, I've read this article right through twice, and I'm still confused. Chris talk back 22:45, 28 October 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Comment. The last slate of unpledged Electors that I am aware of ran in Minnesota in 1984. Nevada also has a "None of the Above" option, which is similar to hosting a slate of unpledged Electors. Chronicler3 02:47, 9 February 2006 (UTC) Chronicler3[reply]

Comment. Also the first unpledged Elector that I have found ran in 1804. Chronicler3 02:48, 9 February 2006 (UTC) Chronicler3[reply]

Possible Introductory Paragraph[edit]

In presidential elections in the United States, the electoral vote is cast by people chosen as Presidential Electors. Before the "general election," each party files a slate of Electors in each state. Occasionally, a group of Electors will run which is not pledged to any candidate. If these "unpledged Electors" win a state, they have an opportunity to assess the political situation and then decide how to cast their electoral votes. In most cases historically, unpledged Electors have been a ballot option when a group of voters feels that no candidate is addressing the most serious issues of the time.

Chronicler3 13:03, 9 February 2006 (UTC) Chronicler3[reply]

Total rewrite. Whaddya think?[edit]

Saw the cleanup needed notice and was bold and did a complete rewrite. Comments welcome. I elminated the material on the 1948 election because there were no unpledged electors in that election -- the "States Rights Democrats" were in fact pledged to Thurmond in advance. --Jfruh (talk) 06:46, 2 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]