Understanding the US Electoral College ahead of the 2024 presidential election

The 2024 U.S. Presidential election is approaching, with polls showing a close race between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump. The Electoral College will again be a key focus, as it has previously led to presidents winning without the popular vote. The Electoral College consists of electors who formally elect the President and Vice President. A candidate needs at least 270 of the 538 electoral votes to win. Most states use a winner-take-all system, while Maine and Nebraska allow for proportional allocation. After the election, electors cast their votes in December, and Congress counts the votes in January. If no candidate reaches 270 votes, the House of Representatives decides the presidency. Efforts to change the Electoral College system have not succeeded.