Electoral College

Saturday, November 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

One group that has received more attention than usual in this unprecedented election is the Electoral College. Oklahoma has eight members. Jenny McNeill sat down with one of them Saturday.

It's been a week of what-ifs, miscalculations and anxious waiting, as the presidential race remains undecided. No one has been watching more closely than George Wiland. Meet one of the eight members of Oklahoma's Electoral College who is serving his first term. George Wiland: Obviously, when I began this process in March, I had no idea the potential significance it will have based on the closeness of the final outcome."

As everyone has been watching their televisions for the latest ballot count, the phone has been ringing off the hook at Wiland's house. Wiland: Some interesting questions have been are you obligated to vote the way that the state voted and the answer is yes." He says there are actually 32 electoral members in Oklahoma who is selected by the district or state parties. But only eight actually get to vote whichever eight are with the party that wins the majority of the popular vote.

And who does Wiland think will be the final winner when it's all said and done? George: George W. Bush. George: Because he has the plurality of votes in enough states to win the electoral votes." But what about the issues raised in some Florida counties? What if a judge gets to decide just what will happen and what if there is a hand recount or re-votes? George: I would certainly be opposed to our next president being chosen by the courts. "George: We're not talking about a sheriff's race in Creek County that was decide by 14 votes I support what is going on there that there should be a recount."

Although the race to crown a president seems to be in a sprint, the Electoral College doesn't cast the final vote until December 18th. That's usual procedure, it's just rarely close enough to get attention. The electors cast their votes on the same day at each state capitol. The results are opened in January when the House and Senate reconvene.