As we quickly approach election day millennials all over the world seem to be plagued with the question,” Does my vote matter?” Let’s take some time to discuss one seemingly crucial factor to consider if you happen to find yourself in this very predicament. That is the electoral college.
Okay, so the number one reason that people seem to believe their vote does not matter is the role of the electoral college. Let’s start there. The electoral college, in short, consists of 538 electors. These electors are first chosen by the political parties in each state, then on the day of the election, the voters in each state select their state’s electors based off of the ballots they cast for President. Now before you get confused, let me explain. These electors aren’t just random citizens. The parties (republican, democrat, etc.) can either nominate potentials at state party conventions or they can choose them by a vote from the party’s central committee. Basically, individuals with political ties and who can demonstrate the party’s best interest are chosen (excluding Senators and Representatives). When election day rolls around and voters cast their ballot for Presidential candidates they then select their state’s electors (remember Presidential candidates have already pre-selected electors). So, when you are casting your vote for Presidency you are actually determining what electors will get to cast the determining votes.
Okay, so now that you know the who, here comes the what.
Here’s what the electoral college actually does. The Electoral college was originally implemented as a source of fairness. Each state has a number of electors equal to the number of U.S. senators as well as the number of U.S. representatives. As previously stated when you vote for your presidential candidate, you are actually voting for the electors. Now, when those electors meet, they then cast their vote. Two processes come in here: 1.) Winner- take- all: this is where all electors go with the popular vote of their respective state. 2.) Congressional district method: Here, the vote is split between the electoral vote and the congressional vote. Most of the time the electoral college goes with the most votes in whatever state they represent (the popular vote). This is not to say that electors haven’t been known to vote otherwise, but usually, it’s rare. In most presidential elections whatever candidate wins the popular vote will also gain the majority of the electoral votes.
Now that I have provided you a little background information hopefully this makes your decision a tad smoother. Stay informed, we are the future.
HCXO!