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The Electoral College is a process used in the United States to elect the President and Vice President. Delegates play a key role in this process, representing their states and casting votes based on the popular vote outcomes. Understanding who these delegates are and their responsibilities is important for grasping how presidential elections are decided.
Who Are Electoral College Delegates?
Electoral College delegates are individuals chosen to represent their states during the presidential election. They are often party members or officials selected through state party conventions or primary elections. The number of delegates each state has is proportional to its population, with a minimum of three per state.
What Do Delegates Do?
The primary role of delegates is to cast electoral votes for the candidate who wins their state’s popular vote. These votes are then counted in the Electoral College, which officially elects the President and Vice President. Delegates typically meet in their state capitals in December following the general election to perform this duty.
Types of Delegates
- pledged delegates: Committed to vote for a specific candidate based on the primary or caucus results.
- unpledged delegates: Also known as “superdelegates,” they are free to support any candidate regardless of primary results.
- at-large delegates: Elected by the state party to represent the entire state rather than a specific district.