DECISION AMERICA Elections and The Electoral College

Nominating Candidates Historical MethodsHistorical Methods →Caucus … still used, most notably in Iowa →National Convention Direct Primary SystemDirect Primary System →Determine votes of Convention Delegates →Closed vs. Open Primary Criticisms:Criticisms: →Front loading; Image over issues

The National Convention Pre-election meeting of the national partyPre-election meeting of the national party Determines the party’s ticket and finalizes the platformDetermines the party’s ticket and finalizes the platform Criticism: operates more as a pep rally than serious meetingCriticism: operates more as a pep rally than serious meeting

What is the Electoral College? Article II, Sec. 1 of the U.S. ConstitutionArticle II, Sec. 1 of the U.S. Constitution Each state has number of electors equal to its congressional representativesEach state has number of electors equal to its congressional representatives Most states have winner take all systemMost states have winner take all system 12 th Amendment: Separate ballots12 th Amendment: Separate ballots 23 rd Amendment: DC voting rights23 rd Amendment: DC voting rights

How It Works 538 possible electoral votes To become POTUS, candidate needs 270 Possible to lose popular vote and win presidency – 4 times in history: 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000 Faithless electors – vote against popular vote …against the law in 24 states

Winning the Election Electors meet 41 days after election in their state’s capital to cast ballotsElectors meet 41 days after election in their state’s capital to cast ballots No majority: House of Representatives elects POTUS from top three candidatesNo majority: House of Representatives elects POTUS from top three candidates Senate selects VP if no MajoritySenate selects VP if no Majority Targets: big population and “swing” statesTargets: big population and “swing” states Image Issue: sectional appealImage Issue: sectional appeal

State Electoral Votes