How are electoral votes allocated and what number is needed to win?

How are electoral votes allocated and what number is needed to win?

• A. The President Designates them; 300 to win
• B. Proportional by population; 537 to win
• C. States award electoral votes (usually winner-take-all); 270 to win; Maine and Nebraska use a district method
• D. Each state has a fixed number equal to its representatives; 270 to win

Answer: (C)

Electoral votes are tied to each state's representation in Congress: a state has as many electoral votes as its number of Representatives plus two Senators. In most states, the winner of the statewide popular vote receives all of that state’s electoral votes (winner-take-all). Maine and Nebraska use a district method, awarding one electoral vote for each congressional district won, with the remaining two electoral votes going to the statewide winner. There are 538 total electoral votes, so a candidate must secure a majority to win—270 or more. If no one reaches 270, the election can move to the House, where each state casts one vote among the top three finishers.