A plurality of American voters in a new poll say they would prefer the popular vote to decide presidential elections instead of the Electoral College.

Forty-five percent say they favor the popular vote, while 40 percent say the Electoral College should stay.

Republicans and Democrats are divided on the issue, with almost 70 percent of Democrats saying they would prefer the popular vote and 62 percent of Republicans saying they prefer the Electoral College, the survey from Morning Consult and Politico found.

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The new findings come on the morning Electoral College members will gather across the country to ratify the vote. President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE won 306 Electoral College votes on Nov. 8. Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonDemocratic groups using Bloomberg money to launch M in Spanish language ads in Florida The Hill's Campaign Report: Presidential polls tighten weeks out from Election Day More than 50 Latino faith leaders endorse Biden MORE won 232 votes in the Electoral College, but leads Trump by more than 2.8 million in the popular vote.

The Democrats also lost the White House despite winning the popular vote in 2000.

That loss and the most recent results have fueled some Democrats' desires to get rid of the Electoral College.

The Electoral College is under unusual pressure this year as anti-Trump groups have pushed for 37 GOP electors to reject the billionaire and block his victory.

Only one GOP elector has publicly said he will not vote for Trump, however, and virtually all GOP electors reached by The Hill have said they will still be voting for Trump.

Thousands are expected to protest around the country today as electors cast their votes. In Philadelphia, the 20 GOP electors will be escorted by police forces for their safety.