Who determines and how do the electoral votes be given?

Answer 1

The total number of electoral votes is fixed at 538, which is the sum of the number of Senators (100) and Representatives (435), plus three for the District of Columbia (3).

Each state's electoral votes is calculated by adding their number of Senators (always 2) to their number of Congressmen in the US House of Representatives (at least one). The minimum number of votes is three; the current maximum is 55 (California).

Congressional Districts (representatives) for the US House of Representatives are apportioned to the states based on the size of each state's population as a percentage of the total US population, using the most recent census count.

The District of Columbia is an exception because it is federal territory (not a state), has no Senators and only one non-voting Representative in the House, but is still allowed the minimum three electoral votes.

Answer 2

The electors are elected in a statewide election. Local election boards certify the results. A state election board settles any disputes. The electors cast the electoral votes. Each candidate for elector announces in advance how they will vote.

Answer 3

Since the election of 1824, most states have appointed their electors on a winner-take-all basis, based on the statewide popular vote on Election Day. Maine and Nebraska are the only two current exceptions, as both states use the congressional district method. Maine and Nebraska use the "congressional district method", selecting one elector within each congressional district by popular vote and awarding two electors by a statewide popular vote.

Answer 4

Each individual how the state will apportion the electoral college votes. Article II of the United States Constitution states that "Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector."