Clinton’s lead in popular vote continues to widen

As some call for end to Electoral College, former Democratic nominee’s margin grows to more than 1.7 million votes

By ToI Staff 21 November 2016, 8:45 am

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Former Secretary of State and former Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton delivers remarks while being honored during the Children's Defense Fund's Beat the Odds Celebration at the Newseum in Washington, DC, November 16, 2016. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP)

Hillary Clinton’s popular-vote lead over President-elect Donald Trump continues to grow as more results pour in.

The Democratic nominee’s vote count stood at 63,620,704 votes, a lead of 1,720,053 votes over her Republican rival, who received 61,900,651 votes as of Sunday, according to the Cook Political Report.

On Friday she led by 1,314,598 votes, indicating the margin has been growing.

In the Electoral College, Clinton was trounced by Trump, who won 290 electoral votes to her 232, with Michigan still undecided. A presidential candidate needs 270 votes in order to win.

The Democrats have won the popular vote in four of five elections since 2000, yet have only secured the presidency twice during that span, in 2008 and 2012, when Barack Obama won. In 2000, George W. Bush was elected president after he defeated Al Gore in the Electoral College, despite losing in the popular vote.

Sen. Barbara Boxer speaking at a news conference in Washington, DC, Aug. 3, 2015. (Alex Wong/Getty Images via JTA)

In the wake of Clinton’s defeat, some Democrats have called for abolishing the Electoral College, claiming that it is an antiquated system that does not properly reflect the will of the voters. Last week, California Senator Barbara Boxer introduced legislation to that end, saying the Electoral College is “an outdated, undemocratic system that does not reflect our modern society, and it needs to change immediately.

“Every American,” she added, “should be guaranteed that their vote counts.”

In 2013, Trump tweeted that the Electoral College is a “disaster for a democracy.” However, he has since appeared to changed his mind, and last week tweeted that “the Electoral College is actually genius in that it brings all states, including the smaller ones, into play. Campaigning is much different!”