A significant number of Americans have participated in early voting for the 2024 presidential election, with millions more anticipated to vote before polls close on Election Day. However, it’s essential to understand that the presidency is determined not by the popular vote, but by the Electoral College.
The Electoral College consists of 538 votes, requiring a majority of 270 to secure the presidency. Typically, the majority of states operate under a winner-take-all system, meaning that the candidate with the most votes in a state receives all of its Electoral College votes. Maine and Nebraska are exceptions, allowing for the splitting of electoral votes.
In the current race, former President Donald Trump (Republican) is opposed by Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat), with the outcome likely hinging on a few battleground states where voter preferences are nearly evenly matched. Pennsylvania holds the highest number of electoral votes at 19, followed by North Carolina and Georgia with 16 each, Michigan with 15, Arizona with 11, Wisconsin with 10, and Nevada with 6.
Each state’s number of Electoral College votes mirrors its total delegation in Congress, which includes senators and representatives. Every state has a minimum of three electoral votes, and the District of Columbia also holds three, despite having no voting representatives.
As shifts in population occur, states may gain or lose electoral votes during the congressional redistricting that follows the U.S. Census. In 2020, six states gained additional House seats, thereby also increasing their electoral votes, while seven states lost one.
California, the most populous state, has the highest Electoral College representation with 54 votes, equating to one elector for every approximately 732,189 residents. Texas follows with 40 electoral votes, Florida has 30, and New York has 28.
On the other end of the spectrum, six states with the smallest populations—Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming—each possess three electoral votes. Notably, in Wyoming, which has the lowest population of around 576,850, this translates to one elector for every 182,283 residents.
In this election cycle, Texas has gained the most electoral votes, increasing its total from 38 to 40. Other states that picked up one additional electoral vote include Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon. Conversely, seven states have lost electoral votes: California, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
This crucial aspect of the electoral process emphasizes the importance of every vote, particularly in key states that could dramatically influence the overall outcome. As the election approaches, voter engagement is vital, and the slight shifts in electoral representation may reflect new demographic realities across the nation. With a record number of early voters, the possibilities for a dynamic and closely contested election remain high, reflecting the true engagement of the American electorate.