Election Guide

America Votes

A clear, balanced reference to America’s elections, from founding-era contests and voting rules to campaigns, turning points, and lasting consequences.

Read the Guide
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Election Reference

Multiple newspapers are laid out with various headlines and images. The layout includes different sections and pages, with colors ranging from a light tan to vibrant reds and greens. Advertisements and articles are visible with bold headlines and images related to sports and news events. The newspapers are arranged horizontally across a flat surface.

Trace presidential contests from the founding era to today, with dates, candidates, results, and turning points.

A tablet screen displays a CNN news segment showing results for the 2020 U.S. presidential election with Joe Biden elected president. The broadcast features six separate images of people, including a central anchor and participants in smaller screens. The headline reads 'BREAKING NEWS' and discusses Trump's lack of public acceptance. The setup includes a lit white lamp on the left and a box of crackers sitting behind the tablet.

Understand electoral rules, institutions, voting patterns, and the events shaping each American election.

A collection of colorful cards feature the phrase 'Be A Voter' written in bold letters surrounded by decorative stars, swirls, and dots, emphasizing a voting theme.

Compare campaigns and outcomes through sourced facts, historical context, and balanced analysis.

Election Questions

How is the president elected?

The Electoral College formally elects the president, while voters choose slates of pledged electors in each state.

How many electoral votes are needed?

A candidate generally needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency.

Do all states use winner-take-all?

Most states award nearly all electoral votes to the statewide popular-vote winner; Maine and Nebraska use district-based rules.

What happens without a majority?

Congress counts electoral votes in January. If nobody wins a majority, the House chooses the president.

What shapes election outcomes?

Election outcomes reflect voting rules, turnout, campaigns, institutions, historical events, and changing coalitions.