Understanding the U.S. Electoral College System

The U.S. presidential election relies on the Electoral College, a unique and often criticized system where 538 electors determine the outcome.

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, reflecting the total number of U.S. Congress members plus three from Washington D.C.
To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes, a majority of the electors.
Most states use a 'winner-takes-all' system, where the candidate with the majority vote in a state receives all its electoral votes.
Critics argue the system can result in a president winning without the popular vote, as seen in five historical instances.
The electors will formally cast their votes on December 17, 2024, although the election winner is typically known by November 5.