Electoral College (U.S.)

The U.S. Electoral College is a group of representatives, called electors, chosen by each state to formally elect the President and Vice President. When citizens vote in a presidential election, they select electors pledged to a candidate. Most states use a winner-takes-all system, giving all electors to the candidate with the most votes in that state. Electors then cast their votes in December, and a majority of 270 out of 538 is required to win. The Electoral College balances state interests and provides a safeguard, but it can result in a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote nationwide.