Facts on the electoral college system:
– There are 538 Electoral College voters, one per senator and representative from each state.
– The District of Columbia, which has no congressional representation, has three votes – the minimum.
– The largest electoral vote states: California(55), Texas(34), New York (31).
– The colleges of electors from each state meet on the same date (December 13 in 2004) in their respective state capitols.
– The candidate who has the most popular votes in a state also receives all of its electoral votes.
– Two states (Maine and Nebraska) can split their electoral votes. However, neither state has ever split its electoral vote.
– Apportionment of Electoral College voters is (indirectly) based on the Census.
– The Electoral College was established in 1787.
– If none of the candidates receives 270 or more electoral votes, the House of Representatives will pick the president.
– Twenty-six states and DC have a law stating electors must vote representing the popular vote. In 24 states, electors may vote for any candidate.
Links:
How the Electoral College works – CNN
Electoral College – Wikipedia
Electoral College – Federal Register
How the Electoral College Works
The Electoral College
What is the Electoral college?
The Electoral College System
Electoral College Map
Electoral College Map