How States Pick Electors: Legal Process Made Simple

Each state in the United States has a process for selecting electors who will vote in the Electoral College during presidential elections. These procedures are governed by state laws and vary across the country. Understanding how states pick electors helps clarify the electoral process as a whole.

States establish their own rules for choosing electors through legislation or state constitutional provisions. Most states use a popular vote system where voters select electors as part of the presidential election. The winning candidate’s party then typically appoints the electors.

Methods of Selecting Electors

There are two main methods for selecting electors:

  • Popular Vote Method: Voters choose among party candidates, and the winning party’s electors are appointed.
  • Legislative Appointment: In rare cases, state legislatures directly appoint electors without a popular vote.

Elector Certification and Faithfulness

Once selected, electors typically meet in their state capitals to cast their votes for president and vice president. These votes are then certified and sent to Congress. Electors are generally expected to vote according to their state’s popular vote, although some states have laws or penalties for faithless electors.