The US Presidential Election Process Explained
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The countdown to the US Presidential election has begun. On November 5, 2024, millions of Americans will head to the polls to select a new leader for the next four years. They will vote for either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. Winning the popular vote is important for both candidates. However, to secure the presidency, they must get the majority of the electoral votes.
The Electoral College and electors
Americans elect their president and vice president through a process known as the Electoral College. Instead of directly voting for a candidate, voters cast their ballots for members of the Electoral College, known as electors. This group, formed every four years for the election, then votes on behalf of the states. For example, if a candidate wins the popular vote in Nevada, Nevada’s electors will vote for that person.
Each state receives two electoral votes for its two senators, plus additional votes based on the number of Representatives in the House. The number of House members is proportional to the state's population. The bigger the state's population, the more "votes" it gets.
For example, California, the country's most populated state, has two senators and 52 House members. Therefore, it gets 54 electoral votes. Smaller states, regardless of population, always have at least three electors (two senators and one representative). In total, there are 538 electoral votes, and a candidate needs at least 270 to become president.
Winner takes-all
Most states follow a winner-takes-all system. This means that if a candidate wins the majority of votes in a state — even by a small margin — they receive all of that state's electoral votes. As a result, candidates do not need to win by a large margin to secure a state’s electoral votes. They just need slightly more than 50 percent of the vote.
This system can make it possible to win the presidency without winning the national popular vote. For instance, in 2000, Democratic nominee Al Gore won the popular vote. However, George W. Bush secured the presidency by winning the 271 electoral votes.
Would removing the Electoral College solve the issue?
Some Americans think the Electoral College should be abolished. They believe it does not assure victory for the candidate whom most of the country prefers. The system also deters people from voting, especially in states that heavily lean toward a certain party. For example, in the largely Democratic state of California, Republican voters often refrain from casting their ballots.
However, supporters of the Electoral College argue that it ensures that people in less populated areas have an equal say in choosing their leader as those living in densely populated areas. They believe that without this system, presidential candidates would focus only on the most populous states, such as California, New York, and Texas. Additionally, they point out that there have only been five instances in US history where a presidential candidate won the electoral vote but lost the popular vote.
When does a new president's term begin?
Unless the race is very close, the winner is typically announced on election night. If there is a change in president, the time after the election is known as the transition period. During this time, the new leader selects their team and prepares for the next four years in office. The new president's term officially begins after the inauguration ceremony, usually held on January 20 of the following year.
Resources: CNN.com, Sos.ca.gov, archives.gov
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