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Americans choose their president in a complicated series of steps that have evolved from Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution and several amendments. The Constitution authorizes each state to appoint a body of 538 electors — one for each of 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 Senators; and 3 for the District of Columbia by virtue of the 23rd Amendment Opens a new window.

In a presidential election, the electoral vote, rather than the popular vote, determines who will be the next U.S president.

We the people of the states of New-Hampshire, Mass

Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789
Image Credit: The Library of Congress

When voters go to the polls on presidential Election Days, their votes become part of the popular vote. The candidate with the majority of popular votes in a state usually wins the state's electoral votes, but not always. To win the U.S. presidency, a candidate must have the majority of electoral votes across the country.

Watch the slideshow below to learn more about the Electoral College process

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The Electoral College

image showing 2 senators and 8 members of House of Representations to make up 10 electors

Each state is entitled to a number of electors equal to that state’s representation in Congress.

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Every four years, on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November, each state holds an election in which citizens vote for a ‘ticket’ that includes a president and vice president.

graphic representation showing how electors vote based on candidate voters have chosen

But what the voter actually votes for are the electors for their state. These electors then vote for the president and vice president the voters have chosen.

pie chart showing 49% and 51% voting result

Winner takes all. 51% or more of the votes are needed for the candidate to win all of the state’s available elections.

graphic showing 270 split in the middle

All electors are counted up. A simple majority of the 538 electors is needed for the presidential and vice presidential candidate to win.

official elector certificate from the State of Maryland

On the Monday following the second Wednesday of December, the electors meet in their state capitals and cast their official votes for president and vice president.


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