How the Electoral College Works and Why It Exists | One Person, One Vote? | Independent Lens | PBS

Introduction

This tutorial explores the workings of the Electoral College, a key component of the American presidential election system. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for grasping how votes translate into electoral outcomes, especially during contentious elections like the 2020 presidential race. This guide will break down the Electoral College's structure, its historical background, and its significance in modern democracy.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of the Electoral College

• The Electoral College is a system established by the U.S. Constitution for electing the president and vice president.
• It consists of 538 electors, and a candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
• Each state has a number of electors equal to its total number of senators and representatives in Congress.

Step 2: Learn How Electors are Chosen

• Electors are typically chosen by political parties in each state before the presidential election.
• In most states, voters cast their ballots for a slate of electors pledged to vote for their chosen candidate.
• The winning candidate in each state usually receives all of that state’s electoral votes (winner-takes-all system), except in Maine and Nebraska, which use a proportional allocation.

Step 3: Explore the Voting Process

• During the election, voters do not directly vote for their preferred presidential candidate; instead, they vote for electors pledged to that candidate.
• After the general election, electors meet in their respective state capitals in December to cast their votes for president and vice president.
• These votes are then sent to Congress, where they are officially counted in January.

Step 4: Analyze the Impact of the Electoral College

• The Electoral College can lead to situations where a candidate wins the presidency without winning the popular vote, as seen in several elections.
• This system is intended to balance the influence of populous states with less populous ones, aiming to ensure that all regions of the country have a say in the election outcome.

Step 5: Review Common Criticisms and Support

• Critics argue that the Electoral College undermines the principle of "one person, one vote" and disproportionately favors smaller states.
• Supporters believe it prevents regional candidates from dominating national elections and encourages candidates to campaign in a variety of states.

Conclusion

The Electoral College is a fundamental but often misunderstood part of the U.S. electoral system. By understanding its structure, processes, and implications, you can better appreciate how it shapes presidential elections. As you prepare for future elections, consider engaging with discussions around electoral reform and the potential impact of the Electoral College on American democracy.