Overview of the Electoral College
The Electoral College is the indirect system established by the US Constitution for electing the president and vice president. Instead of a direct popular vote, citizens vote for electors who then cast votes for the candidates. There are 538 electors total, representing the 435 House members, 100 senators, and 3 for Washington, D.C. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win.
Allocation of Electors and Voting Process
Each state's electors equal its total congressional representation (senators plus House members). Most states use a winner-takes-all system, awarding all electors to the popular vote winner in that state. On Election Day, voters select presidential candidates, but technically choose electors pledged to them. Electors meet in mid-December to cast votes, which Congress certifies in January.
Practical Example: The 2020 Presidential Election
In 2020, Joe Biden won the popular vote nationwide and secured 306 electoral votes to Donald Trump's 232. Key battleground states like Pennsylvania (20 electors), Michigan (16), and Georgia (16) flipped to Biden, tipping the balance. This illustrates how swing states can disproportionately influence the outcome despite the national popular vote margin.
Significance and Common Criticisms
The Electoral College ensures smaller states have a voice in presidential elections, preventing larger states from dominating. However, it can result in a candidate winning the presidency without the popular vote, as in 2000 and 2016. Critics argue it undermines democracy, while supporters say it promotes national unity and coalition-building across regions.