AboutMax Kimball Expertise I'll be glad to answer any question related to US politics, regarding domestic or international issues.
Experience I've studied US history and politics for nearly 20 years. I'm currently also volunteering in the American, European, and Medieval history categories.
Expert: Max Kimball Date: 11/15/2007 Subject: How is our President chosen?
Question I would like to know how the president of the united states is chosen. What is the actual weight of the popular vote verses that of the electoral college system? Do we chose the president or do the 538 president electors chose him or her?
Answer Hi Dustin,
I'll be glad to help with your question.
When people vote, they are voting for an elector pledged to support a certain candidate. In December, the electoral college meets and the electors then cast their votes for president. While they are pledged to a certain candidate, they are not obligated to vote for him/her. Whoever wins 270 electoral votes becomes president.
The popular vote actually is not a factor in determining who is president, strictly speaking. In 1824, 1876, 1888, and of course, 2000, the candidate with fewer popular votes was elected president, because he had more electoral votes.
So, the electors choose the president, and the public chooses the electors. The electors, by the way, are chosen by the state legislatures.
I hope this has been helpful. (I apologize for the delay in answering but I wasn't able to get a computer.) If you have further questions, just ask.
