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Does Your Vote Really Count?
The short answer is, "Yes, it does!"
However, most people don’t believe that because so much talk goes on about this weird thing called the “Electoral College.” So I’m here to tell you all about it and help you to understand how your vote really does matter.
What is the Electoral College?
The Electoral College is a group of party officials (chosen or voted for at various political state conventions) that represent the voters in their state. These folks are referred to as “electors.” The number of electors from each state is equal to the number of representatives each state has in the House and Senate.
Currently, there are a total of 538 members of the Electoral College that represent all 50 states, including three from Washington D.C.
What does the Electoral College do?
The Electoral College votes for the President of the United States, after the results of the popular vote (votes cast by the voting public on or before Election Day) are tallied.
- There is no Constitutional provision or Federal law that forces an elector to cast their vote according to the popular vote in their state.
- However, some states require it's electors to cast their votes in accordance with the popular vote.
- Political parties may extract pledges from electors to vote for the party's nominees.
- Electors may "vote their conscience", but may be fined or disqualified by their party for doing so.
Who wins: Popluar Vote or Electoral College?
The Electoral College elects the President of the United States!
Since the electors usually cast their vote according to the state's popular vote, the electors are usually voting on your behalf.
YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!.