Introduction
The United States utilizes an electoral system to determine the outcome of its presidential elections. Each state is assigned a specific number of electoral votes based on its population, with a total of 538 electoral votes up for grabs nationwide. The states with the most electoral votes are California and Texas, both having 55 and 38 electoral votes, respectively. These large states with substantial populations hold significant sway in determining the overall election outcome. Conversely, the states with the fewest electoral votes are Alaska, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming, each having three electoral votes. These states, with smaller populations, have relatively less influence in the electoral process.
The allocation of electoral votes to each state is determined by its representation in Congress, consisting of two senators per state and a varying number of representatives based on population size. The majority of states adopt a “winner-takes-all” system, where the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state secures all of its electoral votes. However, Maine and Nebraska have a slightly different approach, employing a proportional system that allocates electoral votes based on the winner in each congressional district. This system allows for a more nuanced distribution of electoral votes within those states.
The Electoral College, composed of the electors from each state, meets following the general election to formally cast their votes for the presidency. To secure victory, a candidate must obtain a majority of at least 270 electoral votes. This system aims to balance the influence of highly populous states with those of smaller states, ensuring that both densely populated regions and more sparsely populated areas have a voice in the outcome of the election. The Electoral College has been a subject of debate and discussion, with some advocating for its reform or elimination, while others highlight its role in preserving the balance of power between different states within the United States.
Electoral College Votes per State
| # | State | Electoral Votes | Number of Delegates | Number of US Representatives | Red or Blue State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 55 | 587 | 52 | Democrat |
| 2 | Texas | 38 | 383 | 38 | Republican |
| 3 | Florida | 29 | 341 | 28 | Swing State |
| 4 | New York | 29 | 274 | 26 | Democrat |
| 5 | Illinois | 20 | 222 | 17 | Democrat |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 20 | 274 | 17 | Swing State |
| 7 | Ohio | 18 | 218 | 15 | Swing State |
| 8 | Georgia | 16 | 181 | 14 | Swing State |
| 9 | Michigan | 16 | 198 | 13 | Swing State |
| 10 | North Carolina | 15 | 181 | 14 | Swing State |
| 11 | New Jersey | 14 | 175 | 12 | Democrat |
| 12 | Virginia | 13 | 99 | 11 | Democrat |
| 13 | Washington | 12 | 132 | 10 | Democrat |
| 14 | Arizona | 11 | 124 | 9 | Swing State |
| 15 | Indiana | 11 | 140 | 9 | Republican |
| 16 | Massachusetts | 11 | 132 | 9 | Democrat |
| 17 | Tennessee | 11 | 122 | 9 | Republican |
| 18 | Maryland | 10 | 134 | 8 | Democrat |
| 19 | Minnesota | 10 | 114 | 8 | Swing State |
| 20 | Missouri | 10 | 122 | 8 | Republican |
| 21 | Wisconsin | 10 | 136 | 8 | Swing State |
| 22 | Alabama | 9 | 102 | 7 | Republican |
| 23 | Colorado | 9 | 104 | 8 | Democrat |
| 24 | South Carolina | 9 | 54 | 7 | Republican |
| 25 | Kentucky | 8 | 100 | 6 | Republican |
| 26 | Louisiana | 8 | 100 | 6 | Republican |
| 27 | Connecticut | 7 | 88 | 5 | Democrat |
| 28 | Oklahoma | 7 | 80 | 5 | Republican |
| 29 | Oregon | 7 | 89 | 6 | Democrat |
| 30 | Arkansas | 6 | 71 | 4 | Republican |
| 31 | Iowa | 6 | 81 | 4 | Republican |
| 32 | Kansas | 6 | 51 | 4 | Republican |
| 33 | Mississippi | 6 | 76 | 4 | Republican |
| 34 | Nevada | 6 | 61 | 4 | Swing State |
| 35 | Utah | 6 | 69 | 4 | Republican |
| 36 | Nebraska | 5 | 65 | 3 | Republican |
| 37 | New Mexico | 5 | 56 | 3 | Democrat |
| 38 | West Virginia | 5 | 63 | 2 | Republican |
| 39 | Hawaii | 4 | 24 | 2 | Democrat |
| 40 | Idaho | 4 | 52 | 2 | Republican |
| 41 | Maine | 4 | 46 | 2 | Democrat |
| 42 | New Hampshire | 4 | 46 | 2 | Democrat |
| 43 | Rhode Island | 4 | 45 | 2 | Democrat |
| 44 | Alaska | 3 | 15 | 1 | Republican |
| 45 | Delaware | 3 | 37 | 1 | Democrat |
| 46 | District of Columbia | 3 | Democrat | ||
| 47 | Montana | 3 | 46 | 2 | Republican |
| 48 | North Dakota | 3 | 43 | 1 | Republican |
| 49 | South Dakota | 3 | 45 | 1 | Republican |
| 50 | Vermont | 3 | 33 | 1 | Democrat |
| 51 | Wyoming | 3 | 43 | 1 | Republican |
States With Most Electoral Votes
The ten states with the most electoral votes are California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina. California is the state with the most electoral votes with 55 votes. Texas is the second state with the most electoral votes with 38. Florida and New York tie for the third position with 29 electoral votes each. Illinois and Pennsylvania both have 20 electoral votes, ranking fifth. Ohio is the seventh state with the most electoral votes with 18 electoral votes. Georgia and Michigan share the eighth position, each having 16 electoral votes. Lastly, North Carolina rounds up the top ten with 15 electoral votes.
The 10 states with the most electoral votes are:
1. California – 55
2. Texas – 38
3. Florida – 29
4. New York – 29
5. Illinois – 20
6. Pennsylvania – 20
7. Ohio – 18
8. Georgia – 16
9. Michigan – 16
10. North Carolina – 15
State With Most Electoral Votes
California is the state with the most electoral votes with 55 votes. This sizable allocation of electoral votes grants California substantial influence in presidential elections. Due to its vast population, California’s electoral votes carry significant weight and can often play a crucial role in determining the overall outcome of the election. Candidates tend to invest considerable time and resources in campaigning within the state, recognizing the potential impact that winning California can have on their path to the presidency. As a diverse and politically influential state, California’s electoral votes reflect the diverse perspectives and interests of its residents, making it a critical battleground for candidates vying for the nation’s highest office.
Electoral Votes by State
Alabama
Electoral Votes
9
Ranked in the US
#22
Ranked in the US
#22
Ranked in the US
#23
Republican
Alabama has 9 electoral votes, with 102 delegates and 7 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Alaska
Electoral Votes
3
Ranked in the US
#44
Ranked in the US
#50
Ranked in the US
#45
Republican
Alaska has 3 electoral votes, with 15 delegates and 1 US Representative, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Arizona
Electoral Votes
11
Ranked in the US
#14
Ranked in the US
#17
Ranked in the US
#14
Swing State
Arizona is the fourteenth state with the most electoral votes with 11 votes, having 124 delegates and 9 US Representatives, and it is a swing state.
Arkansas
Electoral Votes
6
Ranked in the US
#30
Ranked in the US
#31
Ranked in the US
#30
Republican
Arkansas has 6 electoral votes, with 71 delegates and 4 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
California
Electoral Votes
55
Ranked in the US
#1
Ranked in the US
#1
Ranked in the US
#1
Democrat
California is the first state with the most electoral votes with 55 votes, 587 delegates, and 52 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Colorado
Electoral Votes
9
Ranked in the US
#23
Ranked in the US
#21
Ranked in the US
#18
Democrat
Colorado has 9 electoral votes, with 104 delegates and 8 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Connecticut
Electoral Votes
7
Ranked in the US
#27
Ranked in the US
#27
Ranked in the US
#28
Democrat
Connecticut has 7 electoral votes, with 88 delegates and 5 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Delaware
Electoral Votes
3
Ranked in the US
#45
Ranked in the US
#47
Ranked in the US
#46
Democrat
Delaware has 3 electoral votes, with 37 delegates and 1 US Representative, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
District of Columbia
Electoral Votes
3
Ranked in the US
#46
Democrat
The District of Columbia has 3 electoral votes and is represented by Democrats.
Florida
Electoral Votes
29
Ranked in the US
#3
Ranked in the US
#3
Ranked in the US
#3
Swing State
Florida is the third state with the most electoral votes with 29 votes, 341 delegates, and 28 US Representatives, and it is a Swing State, meaning it has historically been competitive in presidential elections.
Georgia
Electoral Votes
16
Ranked in the US
#8
Ranked in the US
#9
Ranked in the US
#8
Swing State
Georgia is the eighth state with the most electoral votes with 16 votes, 181 delegates, and 14 US Representatives, and it is a Swing State.
Hawaii
Electoral Votes
4
Ranked in the US
#39
Ranked in the US
#49
Ranked in the US
#38
Democrat
Hawaii has 4 electoral votes, with 24 delegates and 2 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Idaho
Electoral Votes
4
Ranked in the US
#40
Ranked in the US
#38
Ranked in the US
#39
Republican
Idaho has 4 electoral votes, with 52 delegates and 2 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Illinois
Electoral Votes
20
Ranked in the US
#5
Ranked in the US
#6
Ranked in the US
#5
Democrat
Illinois is the fifth state with the most electoral votes with 20 votes, 222 delegates, and 17 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Indiana
Electoral Votes
11
Ranked in the US
#15
Ranked in the US
#12
Ranked in the US
#15
Republican
Indiana is the fifteenth state with the most electoral votes with 11 votes, having 140 delegates and 9 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Iowa
Electoral Votes
6
Ranked in the US
#31
Ranked in the US
#28
Ranked in the US
#31
Republican
Iowa has 6 electoral votes, with 81 delegates and 4 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Kansas
Electoral Votes
6
Ranked in the US
#32
Ranked in the US
#39
Ranked in the US
#32
Republican
Kansas has 6 electoral votes, with 51 delegates and 4 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Kentucky
Electoral Votes
8
Ranked in the US
#25
Ranked in the US
#23
Ranked in the US
#25
Republican
Kentucky has 8 electoral votes, with 100 delegates and 6 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Louisiana
Electoral Votes
8
Ranked in the US
#26
Ranked in the US
#24
Ranked in the US
#26
Republican
Louisiana has 8 electoral votes, with 100 delegates and 6 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Maine
Electoral Votes
4
Ranked in the US
#41
Ranked in the US
#40
Ranked in the US
#40
Democrat
Maine has 4 electoral votes, with 46 delegates and 2 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Maryland
Electoral Votes
10
Ranked in the US
#18
Ranked in the US
#14
Ranked in the US
#19
Democrat
Maryland is the eighteenth state with the most electoral votes with 10 votes, having 134 delegates and 8 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Massachusetts
Electoral Votes
11
Ranked in the US
#16
Ranked in the US
#15
Ranked in the US
#16
Democrat
Massachusetts is the sixteenth state with the most electoral votes with 11 votes, having 132 delegates and 9 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Michigan
Electoral Votes
16
Ranked in the US
#9
Ranked in the US
#8
Ranked in the US
#10
Swing State
Michigan is the ninth state with the most electoral votes with 16 votes, 198 delegates, and 13 US Representatives, and it is a Swing State.
Minnesota
Electoral Votes
10
Ranked in the US
#19
Ranked in the US
#20
Ranked in the US
#20
Swing State
Minnesota is the nineteenth state with the most electoral votes with 10 votes, having 114 delegates and 8 US Representatives, and it is a swing state.
Mississippi
Electoral Votes
6
Ranked in the US
#33
Ranked in the US
#30
Ranked in the US
#33
Republican
Mississippi has 6 electoral votes, with 76 delegates and 4 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Missouri
Electoral Votes
10
Ranked in the US
#20
Ranked in the US
#18
Ranked in the US
#21
Republican
Missouri is the twentieth state with the most electoral votes with 10 votes, having 122 delegates and 8 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Montana
Electoral Votes
3
Ranked in the US
#47
Ranked in the US
#41
Ranked in the US
#41
Republican
Montana has 3 electoral votes, with 46 delegates and 2 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Nebraska
Electoral Votes
5
Ranked in the US
#36
Ranked in the US
#33
Ranked in the US
#36
Republican
Nebraska has 5 electoral votes, with 65 delegates and 3 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Nevada
Electoral Votes
6
Ranked in the US
#34
Ranked in the US
#35
Ranked in the US
#34
Swing State
Nevada has 6 electoral votes, with 61 delegates and 4 US Representatives, and it is considered a swing state.
New Hampshire
Electoral Votes
4
Ranked in the US
#42
Ranked in the US
#42
Ranked in the US
#42
Democrat
New Hampshire has 4 electoral votes, with 46 delegates and 2 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
New Jersey
Electoral Votes
14
Ranked in the US
#11
Ranked in the US
#11
Ranked in the US
#11
Democrat
New Jersey is the eleventh state with the most electoral votes with 14 votes, having 175 delegates and 12 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
New Mexico
Electoral Votes
5
Ranked in the US
#37
Ranked in the US
#36
Ranked in the US
#37
Democrat
New Mexico has 5 electoral votes, with 56 delegates and 3 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
New York
Electoral Votes
29
Ranked in the US
#4
Ranked in the US
#4
Ranked in the US
#4
Democrat
New York is the fourth state with the most electoral votes with 29 votes, 274 delegates, and 26 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
North Carolina
Electoral Votes
15
Ranked in the US
#10
Ranked in the US
#10
Ranked in the US
#9
Swing State
North Carolina is the tenth state with the most electoral votes with 15 votes, 181 delegates, and 14 US Representatives, and it is a Swing State.
North Dakota
Electoral Votes
3
Ranked in the US
#48
Ranked in the US
#45
Ranked in the US
#47
Republican
North Dakota has 3 electoral votes, with 43 delegates and 1 US Representative, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Ohio
Electoral Votes
18
Ranked in the US
#7
Ranked in the US
#7
Ranked in the US
#7
Swing State
Ohio is the seventh state with the most electoral votes with 18 votes, 218 delegates, and 15 US Representatives, and it is a Swing State.
Oklahoma
Electoral Votes
7
Ranked in the US
#28
Ranked in the US
#29
Ranked in the US
#29
Republican
Oklahoma has 7 electoral votes, with 80 delegates and 5 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Oregon
Electoral Votes
7
Ranked in the US
#29
Ranked in the US
#26
Ranked in the US
#27
Democrat
Oregon has 7 electoral votes, with 89 delegates and 6 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Pennsylvania
Electoral Votes
20
Ranked in the US
#6
Ranked in the US
#5
Ranked in the US
#6
Swing State
Pennsylvania is the sixth state with the most electoral votes with 20 votes, 274 delegates, and 17 US Representatives, and it is a Swing State.
Rhode Island
Electoral Votes
4
Ranked in the US
#43
Ranked in the US
#43
Ranked in the US
#43
Democrat
Rhode Island has 4 electoral votes, with 45 delegates and 2 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
South Carolina
Electoral Votes
9
Ranked in the US
#24
Ranked in the US
#37
Ranked in the US
#24
Republican
South Carolina has 9 electoral votes, with 54 delegates and 7 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
South Dakota
Electoral Votes
3
Ranked in the US
#49
Ranked in the US
#44
Ranked in the US
#48
Republican
South Dakota has 3 electoral votes, with 45 delegates and 1 US Representative, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Tennessee
Electoral Votes
11
Ranked in the US
#17
Ranked in the US
#19
Ranked in the US
#17
Republican
Tennessee is the seventeenth state with the most electoral votes with 11 votes, having 122 delegates and 9 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Texas
Electoral Votes
38
Ranked in the US
#2
Ranked in the US
#2
Ranked in the US
#2
Republican
Texas is the second state with the most electoral votes with 38 votes, 383 delegates, and 38 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Utah
Electoral Votes
6
Ranked in the US
#35
Ranked in the US
#32
Ranked in the US
#35
Republican
Utah has 6 electoral votes, with 69 delegates and 4 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Vermont
Electoral Votes
3
Ranked in the US
#50
Ranked in the US
#48
Ranked in the US
#49
Democrat
Vermont has 3 electoral votes, with 33 delegates and 1 US Representative, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Virginia
Electoral Votes
13
Ranked in the US
#12
Ranked in the US
#25
Ranked in the US
#12
Democrat
Virginia is the twelfth state with the most electoral votes with 13 votes, having 99 delegates and 11 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
Washington
Electoral Votes
12
Ranked in the US
#13
Ranked in the US
#16
Ranked in the US
#13
Democrat
Washington is the thirteenth state with the most electoral votes with 12 votes, having 132 delegates and 10 US Representatives, and it is a Democrat-leaning state.
West Virginia
Electoral Votes
5
Ranked in the US
#38
Ranked in the US
#34
Ranked in the US
#44
Republican
West Virginia has 5 electoral votes, with 63 delegates and 2 US Representatives, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
Wisconsin
Electoral Votes
10
Ranked in the US
#21
Ranked in the US
#13
Ranked in the US
#22
Swing State
Wisconsin has 10 electoral votes, with 136 delegates and 8 US Representatives, and it is considered a swing state.
Wyoming
Electoral Votes
3
Ranked in the US
#51
Ranked in the US
#46
Ranked in the US
#50
Republican
Wyoming has 3 electoral votes, with 43 delegates and 1 US Representative, and it is a Republican-leaning state.
FAQs
How many electoral votes does California have ?
California has 55 electoral votes.
Which state has the most electoral votes ?
The state with the most electoral votes is California with 55 votes.
How many electoral votes does Texas have ?
Texas has 38 electoral votes.
How many electoral votes does Florida have ?
Florida has 29 electoral votes.
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