In Oklahoma, state law requires that each political party select seven electors. Then, whatever candidate receives the most votes in the presidential election is awarded all seven of the state's electoral votes.

Mauldin favors changing the state's method of awarding electors.

"Many believe the present system favors less populous states like Oklahoma, but in reality, its quite different," he said. "Oklahoma has not been a 'player' in a presidential election in over 40 years because most everyone presumes the outcome."

To solve the problem, he said, the state should use a proportional allocation of votes, or use systems similar to those in Maine and Nebraska.

"Maine and Nebraska have adopted an alternative, what is known as the Congressional District Method," he said. "Under (their) laws, each state allocates its statewide electoral votes to the winner of each congressional district. The remaining two electors are awarded to the candidate who receives the most votes statewide."

Mauldin believes that change would make the state more competitive.

"Our voters would then have the opportunity to meet presidential candidates and to inform the candidates of our views and concerns," he said.

Still, despite the debate, for Electoral College members such as Bobby Cleveland, the vote Monday is a chance to make history.

"I ran for the position at the state Republican Convention," he said. "It was something I always wanted to do. It was a chance for me to help make history."

M. Scott Carter 366-3545 scarter@normantranscript.com