By a wide margin, Americans want popular vote – not Electoral College – to decide who is president
Thinking about the way the president is elected in this country, would you prefer to … (%)
Note: Data prior to 2020 comes from telephone surveys. Data for 2016 is from CNN; data for 2000-2011 is from Gallup. Prior to 2020, the question asked about “amending the Constitution” instead of “changing the system.” For details on question wording, read the methodological note in the original analysis.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2024.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
By a wide margin, Americans want popular vote – not Electoral College – to decide who is president
Thinking about the way the president is elected in this country, would you prefer to … (%)
| date | Change the current system so the candidate who receives the most votes wins | Keep current system so the candidate who wins Electoral College vote wins |
|---|---|---|
| 9/2/2024 | 63 | 35 |
| 7/16/2023 | 65 | 33 |
| 7/4/2022 | 63 | 35 |
| 1/15/2021 | 55 | 43 |
| 1/20/2020 | 60 | 37 |
| 3/7/2018 | 55 | 41 |
| 11/17/2016 | 51 | 44 |
| 10/11/2011 | 62 | 35 |
| 10/1/2004 | 61 | 35 |
| 12/1/2000 | 59 | 37 |
| 11/1/2000 | 61 | 35 |
| 1/1/2000 | – | – |
Note: Data prior to 2020 comes from telephone surveys. Data for 2016 is from CNN; data for 2000-2011 is from Gallup. Prior to 2020, the question asked about “amending the Constitution” instead of “changing the system.” For details on question wording, read the methodological note in the original analysis.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2024.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
