The US president is elected not by direct vote but through the Electoral College. This system often confuses people, so let us break it down.
How it works
In November, voters vote in their states. In effect, they elect not the candidate himself but electors from the state. The number of electors in a state equals the sum of its seats in the Senate (two from each) and in the House of Representatives (depending on population).
In total, the college has 538 electors. To win, a candidate must get at least 270 votes.
The “winner takes all” principle
In most states, the candidate who gets the most votes takes all of the state’s electors. Exceptions, such as Maine and Nebraska, distribute part of the votes differently.
Why one can win with less voter support
Because the result depends on states and not on the total number of votes nationwide, a candidate can get fewer voters’ votes but win a majority in the college. Such cases have occurred in US history.
Key states
Many states traditionally vote for one party. So the fight concentrates on a few “swing” states where the result is unpredictable.
Criticism and support
Critics consider the system unfair to voters in large states. Supporters say it protects the interests of smaller states and forces candidates to work across different regions.
Changing the system would require a constitutional amendment, which is hard to achieve.
