Electoral Votes

How the Electoral College Works

Understanding the Electoral System

The Electoral College is a system used to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. It is an indirect election system, where voters do not directly elect the President, but instead choose electors who then cast votes for the candidates. Each state has a set number of electors, based on its population. The candidate who wins the popular vote in each state typically receives all of that state's electoral votes.

Number of Electors

The total number of electors in the Electoral College is 538. Each state is allocated a number of electors equal to its total number of representatives in the House and Senate. Washington, D.C., is allocated three electors, even though it is not a state.

Allocation of Electors

The allocation of electors among the states is based on the results of the decennial census. States with larger populations receive more electors, while states with smaller populations receive fewer. The number of electors for each state can vary over time, as the population shifts and the balance of power in Congress changes.

Conclusion

The Electoral College system is a complex and unique feature of the American political system. It has been debated and criticized throughout history, but it remains the method by which the President and Vice President are elected. Understanding how the Electoral College works is essential for informed citizens who wish to participate in the democratic process.