The US Electoral College Demystified
Upon first (and maybe second) glance, the US Electoral College — the proportional system that ultimately determines the winner of the US presidential election — may seem impossible to make heads or tails of. Let us break it down for you.
Why did the US decide on this system?
The Electoral College was established by the framers of the US Constitution in 1787 to prevent the centralization of power and avoid a monarchy-like structure. At the time, the electorate was not considered educated enough to make responsible voting decisions, leading to the compromise of appointed electors in each state voting for the president.
How does the Electoral College work?
The US government consists of the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, with Congress made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. States receive electoral votes based on the number of Congressional representatives, with a total of 538 electoral votes available in the presidential race.
Whom do Americans vote for if not the president?
In most states, citizens vote for the candidate’s electors, and electors typically vote for the candidate who wins the majority. Maine and Nebraska allow the splitting of electoral votes based on the population vote.
Can a candidate lose the popular vote and still become president?
Yes, this has occurred five times in US history, with the most recent example being Donald Trump winning the Electoral College in 2016 despite losing the popular vote.
What happens if no candidate gets a majority?
In the event of a tie, the House of Representatives decides the winner, with each state delegation receiving one vote.
For more details on the US Electoral College and the upcoming 2024 elections, stay tuned for our next blog post!