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How does the Electoral College select the U.S. president?

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constitution Original copy of the Constitution of the United States of America, housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

The Electoral College is the system established by the U.S. Constitution for the indirect election of the president and vice president.12

When citizens cast their ballots in November, they are technically voting for a slate of electors chosen by political parties at the state level. Each state is allotted a number of electors equal to its total representation in Congress (the sum of its senators and representatives), with the District of Columbia granted three electors.3415

In 48 states, the candidate who wins the statewide popular vote receives all of that state's electoral votes. Maine and Nebraska use a different method, allocating votes by congressional district with a bonus for the statewide winner.134

Electors meet in their respective states in December to cast their official votes. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure a majority of at least 270 of the 538 total electoral votes. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the House of Representatives decides the outcome.13546