Determining the Winner of a Presidential Election: A Review of the Electoral College System

The outcome of a presidential election is often a topic of heated debate immediately after the polls close. In the case of a closely contested election, the role of the Electoral College plays a significant part in determining the winner. This article will delve into how the winner is determined and what happens when both candidates claim victory simultaneously.

Overview of the Electoral College System

The United States has a unique system for selecting its President through the Electoral College. The Founding Fathers designed this system to ensure that the states had a voice in the selection process. As it stands, electors from each state are chosen based on the outcome of the popular vote within that state, and they come together to cast their votes for the President.

It is essential to understand that the Electoral College system does not only encompass the people's vote but also the votes of the electors who represent the states. The identity of the President is determined when these electors cast their votes, which are then certified by the states.

Historical Examples of Contested Elections

Historically, there have been instances where the election results were contested. One notable example is the 1824 election between Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams where Jackson won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College vote. Another example is the 2000 election involving George W. Bush and Al Gore, where the election was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court, affirming Bush's victory.

The 2020 Presidential Election

The 2020 election is a more recent example of a contested election. Several months after the election, President Donald Trump, despite losing the popular vote by nearly 7 million votes and largely uncontested margins in the Electoral College, claimed victory while many others claimed fraud.

It is crucial to note that the declaration of victory by either candidate is not the final determination of the election. The true arbiter is the actions of the electors and, ultimately, the certification of the Electoral College votes by the states and the Congress. In the 2020 election, there was no substantial evidence of widespread voter fraud or irregularities that would have changed the Electoral College vote. The final tally was Biden's 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232.

What Happens When Both Candidates Claim Victory?

In the event both candidates claim victory, the focus shifts to the certification process. Electors are expected to cast their votes for the candidate they were appointed to support. While some may dispute the results of the vote, this is largely a political matter and not a legal one. If a state’s electors unanimously agree, their certification is generally accepted.

Furthermore, if a candidate's supporters claim fraud, the matter may be resolved through legal challenges, which are then adjudicated by the courts. The Supreme Court has the final say in resolving disputed outcomes, and in the 2000 election, they ultimately awarded the presidency to George W. Bush.

It's also important to note that the Electoral College vote is only one aspect of the entire election process. The popular vote serves as a measure of public opinion, while the Electoral College reflects the state-by-state breakdown required for a candidate to win the presidency.

Conclusion

The determination of the President requires more than just a declaration of victory. It necessitates the certification of the Electoral College votes and, if necessary, the resolution of any legal disputes through the courts. The system is designed to ensure that the winner is legitimate and respected.

While the outcome of the 2020 election was clear, the processes and procedures that followed underscore the democratic nature of the American electoral system. It is through this collective effort that the United States maintains its strong democratic traditions.