Elector

A member of the Electoral College, chosen by a state’s political party, who formally casts a vote for President and Vice President based on the outcome of the state’s popular vote. There are 538 electors in total.

Example: In 2016, a small number of ‘faithless electors’ attempted to vote for candidates other than the ones who won their state’s popular vote, though it did not change the outcome of the election.

Common misconception: Electors are legally bound by the Constitution to vote for the candidate who won their state. The Constitution does not explicitly bind them; however, the Supreme Court ruled in Chiafalo v. Washington (2020) that states may enforce laws requiring electors to pledge their vote to the popular vote winner.