Who chose electors prior to 1820, and why did the process change? state lawmakers chose electors, but the process changed because people wanted more of a say in the selection. federal lawmakers chose electors, but the process changed because state lawmakers wanted more control over the selection. white males who owned land chose electors, but the process changed because those who did not own land wanted a say in the selection. all white male citizens chose electors, but the process changed because state lawmakers wanted more control over the selection.