The Electoral College, Explained

The Electoral College turns state vote outcomes into electoral votes through state allocations, electors, certification, Congress's count, and close-state math.

1. Frame 1Public voters choose state results, but the rule turns those ballots into elector slates; the 270-vote threshold decides the presidency.
2. Frame 2Allocation map: each state gets electors equal to House seats plus two senators; D.C. has three under the 23rd Amendment.
3. Frame 3Elector slates act as the handoff: most states award a whole ballot block to the statewide popular-vote winner.
4. Frame 4Certification document chain: state executives send Certificates of Ascertainment, then electors meet in December to cast separate signed votes.
5. Frame 5Constraint case: winner-take-all rules convert narrow state wins into entire elector blocks; Maine and Nebraska split by rule.
6. Frame 6Failure path: recounts or disputes can trigger expedited Title 3 review before the January congressional count confirms electoral votes.