The Electoral College—After the People Vote

LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 19: A ballot for the electoral college waits before the Michigan representatives to the electoral college met to cast their votes at the Michigan State Capitol on December 19, 2016 in Lansing, United States. The electoral college met in the afternoon and voted unanimously for Trump. Electors from all 50 states cast votes today in their respective state capitols. Photo by Sarah Rice/Getty Images

Commentary

This is the fourth installment in a series based on questions asked by high school students about the Electoral College. The previous three articles explored the origins and evolution of the institution, and the math behind the vote distribution. This installment deals with what happens after the American people go to the polls.

What Happens After We Vote? 

Despite the most passionate arguments against the Electoral College, our presidential election system is not undemocratic. Like every other election recognized in the Constitution, our presidential elections occur on a state-by-state basis and our states control the rules.