1. The Electoral College

2. How does the Electoral College work?
In November of a Presidential election year, each state holds an election for President.
All eligible citizens vote for a “ticket” of candidates.
The citizens are in fact voting for “electors” for President, not the President himself.

3. How does the Electoral College work?
Each state is allowed the same number of electors as it has congressional representation (total 538)
Michigan = 16
In December, the electors meet in their state capitol to cast votes
Each state gets to decide if they have to follow the popular vote
“Winner” of the popular vote isn’t guaranteed to win.

4. Problems with the Electoral College
1. It’s possible to win the Electoral College without winning the popular vote
1824: Andrew Jackson vs. John Quincy Adams
1876: Samuel Tilden vs. Rutherford B. Hayes
1888: Grover Cleveland vs. Benjamin Harrison
2000: Al Gore vs. George W. Bush
2016: Hillary Clinton vs. Donald Trump
2. Electors don’t have to do what the voters say
3. The contest could be decided by the House of Representatives
So…why do it?