Boulderites are part of the US electoral process. People struggle to understand it. What IS that process? The Electoral College is a fundamental aspect of the United States’ presidential election process. Understanding the Electoral College, how it works, and why it matters is crucial for citizens to comprehend the intricacies of electing the nation’s leader.  What is the electoral college system. Does the system work? Should we change it? Does it matter?

What is the Electoral College?

The Electoral College is not an actual college, but rather a process established by the United States Constitution for the purpose of electing the President and Vice President. It consists of 538 electors, with each state’s number of electors being equal to the total of its Senators and Representatives in Congress. The District of Columbia also has 3 electors, bringing the total to 538.

During a presidential election, when citizens cast their votes, they are technically voting for a slate of electors chosen by the political parties in their state. These electors, pledged to support their party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, then cast their official votes for President and Vice President.

The candidate who receives an absolute majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) is elected as the President. This unique system is a defining feature of the U.S. presidential election process, and it has both supporters and critics.

How Does the Electoral College Work?

The Electoral College process begins with the selection of electors. Political parties in each state nominate their potential electors, typically chosen for their loyalty and service to the party. On Election Day, when citizens vote for their preferred presidential candidate, they are actually voting for a slate of electors committed to their candidate.

After the popular vote, the appointed electors from each state meet in December to cast their official votes for President and Vice President. Most states have a winner-takes-all system, where the candidate who wins the popular vote in the state receives all of the state’s electoral votes.

Once the electors’ votes are cast, the President of the Senate counts the electoral votes in a joint session of Congress. If a candidate receives at least 270 electoral votes, they are declared the winner. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the House of Representatives selects the President, with each state delegation having one vote.

Why Does the Electoral College Matter?

The Electoral College’s significance lies in its impact on the presidential election results. It has been a subject of debate and scrutiny, with various arguments for and against its continued relevance. Proponents of the Electoral College argue that it ensures the voices of less populous states are not drowned out by those of more populous ones, thereby promoting a fair representation of diverse interests.

Opponents, however, criticize the system for potential discrepancies between the popular vote and the electoral outcome, as well as the possibility of a candidate winning the presidency without securing the popular vote. These debates underscore the importance of understanding the Electoral College and its implications for the democratic process in the United States.

Understanding the Electoral College, how it operates, and its significance is essential for all citizens participating in the U.S. electoral process. As discussions about potential reforms and alternatives continue, a comprehensive grasp of the Electoral College empowers individuals to engage in informed conversations and decisions regarding the future of presidential elections in the United States.

Perhaps the biggest criticism of the system is that a candidate can win the election and become President while actually losing the popular vote.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com