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Electoral votes are used to determine the winner of a presidential election in the United States. The process involves several steps to count and verify these votes, ensuring a fair and transparent election.
Electoral College Overview
The Electoral College is a group of electors chosen by each state. These electors cast votes based on the results of the popular vote in their state. The number of electors per state equals its total number of Senators and Representatives in Congress.
Counting Electoral Votes
After the general election, electors meet in their state capitals to cast their votes. These votes are then sent to Congress, where they are officially counted during a joint session held in January.
Certification Process
Before counting, each state certifies its electoral vote results. This certification confirms the accuracy of the votes and is submitted to Congress. The Vice President presides over the count and announces the official results.
If a candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, they are declared the winner. If no candidate reaches a majority, the House of Representatives chooses the President from the top three candidates.