“The election of Donald Trump to the presidency despite losing the popular vote is a vivid example of the majority being thwarted…,” wrote Jennifer Vogt-Erickson in her recent column.

The popular vote this presidential election can be viewed as relative, considering the fact Donald Trump won nearly 85 percent of the geographical area of the U.S. to Hillary’s, at most, a mere 15 percent. Putting these results into perspective, who actually won the popular vote? The answer is clear, Donald Trump, by a landslide, literally.

Take Minnesota, for example: Minnesota has 87 counties. Donald Trump won 78 or 89.66 percent of the counties to Hillary’s 9 or 7.83 percent. The metro, Duluth, Rochester determining the direction for all Minnesotans. Or consider Illinois, which has 102 counties. Donald Trump won 91 or 92.82 percent of the geographical area of Illinois to Hillary’s 11 counties, or 10.78 percent, yet, Hillary won both.

Nearly the entire state of Minnesota, Illinois, New York and Oregon went for Donald Trump, yet Hillary took those states. Redistricting? Gerrymandering? Affect the results of these states, Jennifer?

This presidential election has made it most obvious how vital the Electoral College is to our election process.

Results seen in Minnesota, Illinois, New York and Oregon, for example, demonstrate how a densely populated metro area influence the election to favor the densely populated area, disregarding the remaining geographical majority of a state.

It is essentially pitting metro, big bank, Wall Street cities against rural residents. Basically, the results in these states are a prime example of the elitists versus the common people.

The Electoral College equalizes the playing field as the designers predicted. It ensures the needs of the country as a whole are considered, not just large cities and large populations.

“Simple majority has never been a broad way to decide things in government or the legislative process, which is why there are parliamentary tactics, such as the filibuster that prevents the simple majority from determining outcomes.”

The fact remains that Donald Trump was chosen by a geographical landslide.

With Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Nevada and Oregon results being a “vivid example of the (geographical) majority being thwarted.”

Rebecca Fredrickson

Glenville