Kyle Soriano Blog #2

 Reflecting on our group project about the electoral college, I found the experience both challenging and enriching. The project allowed us to explore this complex system in depth and understand the impact it has on American democracy, as well as the organizations that play a role in the ongoing debate about its future. My specific area of focus was researching and presenting on the various organizations involved in discussions about the electoral college. This experience not only deepened my knowledge of the electoral college and its supporters and opponents but also taught me a great deal about remote teamwork, effective communication, and the value of clear organization in a virtual setting. From the outset, one of the primary challenges we faced was establishing a sense of connection and team cohesion in an entirely virtual environment. Working remotely can create a sense of distance among team members, and without in-person meetings, it can be hard to build the same kind of rapport and trust. We began by setting up a shared group chat and scheduling weekly Zoom meetings to discuss our progress. Finding times that worked for everyone took some negotiation, given our different schedules. However, we eventually found a rhythm, and our regular meetings became essential to keeping us on track and engaged in the project. This experience taught me the importance of consistency in virtual teamwork. Setting a routine helped foster a sense of accountability and connection despite the physical distance. As we divided up the topics, we each took responsibility for a specific part of the project. Some team members focused on the history and mechanics of the electoral college, while others examined arguments for and against it. I chose to focus on the role of organizations in shaping the debate. I researched groups on both sides of the issue and those advocating for reforms or the elimination of the electoral college and those defending its current role in U.S. presidential elections. It was fascinating to learn about the various organizations that have dedicated time and resources to advocating for their stance on the electoral college. For example, groups like the League of Women Voters and Common Cause support reform or abolition of the electoral college, often arguing that it undermines true democracy by allowing a candidate to win without the popular vote. On the other side, organizations like the Heritage Foundation defend the electoral college, viewing it as a critical element of federalism that helps balance power between states. Researching these organizations gave me insight into the political and ideological motivations behind the debate over the electoral college. It also required careful evaluation of each organization’s stance, funding sources, and methods of advocacy. Many groups employ grassroots organizing, lobbying, and public education campaigns to influence both public opinion and policymakers. For instance, the League of Women Voters has focused on educating the public about electoral reforms and supporting legislation to promote a national popular vote, while the Heritage Foundation publishes articles and research defending the electoral college as a safeguard against “tyranny of the majority.” Understanding these groups’ roles provided a more comprehensive view of the electoral college debate, as I could see how they shape public opinion and try to influence legislation in alignment with their values. One of the challenges of working remotely was ensuring that each member was staying on track with their part of the project and contributing equally. Without the face-to-face accountability that in-person meetings provide, it was easy for tasks to feel more abstract or to slip through the cracks. To address this, we set internal deadlines for completing specific sections and used a shared Google Doc to compile our research and notes. This allowed everyone to check in on each other’s progress and offer feedback. We also set up a shared folder for source materials, which made it easy to access one another’s research and verify the information. I found that these shared digital spaces helped create transparency and accountability within the team, which was crucial to our success in a virtual environment. Our meetings often sparked interesting discussions about the electoral college, as we shared our findings and discussed different perspectives. Working on a divisive topic like this virtually presented unique challenges, as it can be more difficult to gauge reactions and engage in fluid discussions over video calls. However, we found that using the chat function during Zoom calls helped keep our discussions organized, and it allowed people to share ideas or pose questions without interrupting. These debates were valuable in helping us think critically about the electoral college. For example, one team member expressed skepticism about moving to a popular vote system, arguing that it could lead to presidential campaigns only focusing on large cities, while others pointed out that the electoral college has its own flaws in terms of voter representation. These discussions helped us better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each viewpoint, as well as the roles that different organizations play in promoting or opposing reforms. As we neared the end of the project and began assembling our final presentation, we faced additional challenges in creating a cohesive and engaging presentation in a virtual format. Without the ability to physically present together, we relied on virtual tools like PowerPoint, screen-sharing, and visual aids to convey our points effectively. Each member practiced their section individually, but we also rehearsed together over Zoom to ensure that our transitions were smooth and that our overall presentation flowed logically. For my section, I created visuals showing the logos and mission statements of the organizations I researched, as well as brief descriptions of their stances and key actions. Visualizing this information helped make the data more accessible and engaging for our audience, and I felt more confident knowing that I had clear visuals to support my points. Ultimately, this virtual project on the electoral college was a rewarding learning experience that taught me both about the topic itself and the skills needed for effective virtual collaboration. I gained a deeper understanding of the organizations involved in the electoral college debate and the complex ways they influence public opinion and policy. At the same time, I learned the value of clear communication, consistent organization, and adaptability in a virtual team setting. This experience has made me more confident in my ability to work on complex projects remotely, and it has underscored the importance of collaboration and mutual accountability. I am grateful for the insights I gained from both the subject matter and the virtual teamwork, and I look forward to applying these skills to future projects.