The Electoral College has been around since 1787 when it was formed as a way to give structure to the procedure of the presidential election. Originally, the electoral college consisted of a selection by congress, the states’ governors, the states’ legislatures, a select few members of congress, and popular vote. This mix of people was called the Committee of Eleven on Postponed Manners. Like now, a majority vote was needed to win the presidency. This remained the structure of the electoral college until 1804 when it changed to what we know now.

Currently, the college is composed of 538 electors. These currently cannot be Senators, Representatives, or any person who could gain financially in the U.S. Government.  The can, however, be state elected officials, state party leaders, or people who have a personal or political connection to the party.

Step 1

• Political parties in each state choose potential electors before the popular vote.

Step 2

• On election day, one vote for a certain party’s candidate also counts towards that party’s electors.

Then, in mid-December, the electors gather at the state capital to cast their votes.