I take it you didn't go to the web site to see the maps adjusted for population density, that is to say a cartogram. Those maps look like this, which has the same data on the map I posted above adjusted for population density:
Yes, the electoral college's existence is to dampen out high population centers effects on how the country is run. It's one of the last vestiges of federalism left.
Repeal the 17th Amendment for more federalism, and much more control of the US government.