Instead of the popular vote, the US election winner is determined by the Electoral College votes. This unique political system has its critics, especially due to the system’s age and issues with representation and winner-takes-all methods.
How does the Electoral College system work?
States are allocated Electoral College votes, with the winning candidate in each state receiving all votes. Exceptions apply in Maine and Nebraska, and the candidate with at least 270 votes wins the presidency.
Do states all get the same number of votes?
Number of Electoral College votes per state is based on Senate and Congress members. This creates disparities in representation, favoring less populated states.
How are Electoral College votes counted?
Electoral votes are cast following the election by selected electors, then sent to Congress for certification.
What are the issues with the Electoral College?
Critics argue that the system doesn’t reflect the popular vote, leading to disproportional representation and a focus on battleground states, neglecting others.