FAQ
What is the electoral college?
Each state gets electors equal to its senators plus representatives, 538 in total, and a candidate needs 270 to win. In 48 states the statewide popular vote winner takes all that state electors, while Maine and Nebraska award by district in part. Electors meet in December to cast the formal votes counted by Congress on January 6.
How can someone win the electoral vote but lose the popular vote?
Because statewide winner-take-all rules magnify small margins, a candidate can win large states narrowly and lose others heavily, finishing behind in total votes while winning the college. It has happened five times: 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016.
What are midterm elections?
Midterms are the federal elections held halfway through a presidential term, in even years not divisible by four. All 435 House seats and about a third of the Senate are contested, plus most governorships. Turnout is usually lower than in presidential years, and the president party has historically lost seats in most midterms.
What is a runoff election?
A runoff is a second round between the top two finishers when no candidate reaches a required threshold, often a majority. Georgia and Louisiana use runoffs for federal races, and France and Brazil use two round systems for president. Ranked choice voting replicates the process instantly with ballot transfers instead of a second election.
What is a provisional ballot?
When a voter eligibility is in question, name not on the rolls or ID questions, election workers issue a provisional ballot, counted only after verification. Federal law required them nationwide after 2000 as part of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Voters can usually check whether their ballot was counted and why if rejected.
When are results official?
Media calls on election night are projections, not results. Counties canvass and certify over days or weeks, states certify by set deadlines, recounts and audits may follow, and Congress counts electoral votes on January 6. Mail ballots, curing, and close margins can delay certification, which is normal and expected in close races.