Electoral College

How many total seats are there in the Electoral College?

There are 538 seats in the Electoral College.

What is the number of electoral votes needed for a candidate to win?

A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win.

How is the total of 538 Electoral College seats calculated?

It is calculated as 435 House members + 100 Senate members + 3 from DC.

What is a Faithless elector?

An elector in the Electoral College who votes for a person not in their party.

What is the unit rule in the context of the Electoral College?

The party (candidate) who wins the popular vote in a state is rewarded all the electoral votes.

Which states do not apply the unit rule?

Maine and Nebraska do not apply the unit rule.

How can a candidate win the popular vote but not the Electoral College?

This can happen due to the unit rule and because margin of victory has no impact on the Electoral College outcome.

What does the phrase 'Electoral College' refer to?

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution for the election of the President and Vice President.