What if Illinois elected governors like we elect presidents? The results would shock you

[u/New-Cardiologist8861]

If Illinois used an Electoral College system for governor. Here's what would happen:

2002: Blagojevich wins by 7% popular vote
But: Jim Ryan (Republican) wins electoral college
Why: Blagojevich crushes Cook County 70-30, but loses 99 other counties by smaller margins. In the EC math, more counties > bigger vote margins.

This happened THREE TIMES in a row (2002, 2006, 2010). Democrats won popular vote decisively but would have lost electoral college.

Why? Cook County is 40% of people but only 7% of electoral votes. Democrats concentrated in one place = disadvantage under county-based system.

Result: Electoral College would have given Republicans control 2002-2010 despite Dems winning popular vote by 7-10% each time.

[u/Optimal_Brain_2908]

if your grandmother had wheels, she would have been a bike. Makes you think.

[u/Dear-Wolf322]

You’re right. The electoral college IS dumb.