Final answer:
Electoral College votes for each state are calculated by adding the number of U.S. Senators (two for each state) to the number of House Representatives (based on state population). This total represents each state's Congressional representation and thus determines its electoral votes.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Electoral Votes are Calculated for Each State
The number of Electoral College votes granted to each state is calculated based on its total Congressional representation. This includes the sum of its U.S. Senators, which is always two per state, and its U.S. House Representatives, the number of which is based on the state's population as determined by the decennial U.S. Census. For example, if a state has 10 representatives in the House and 2 Senators, it will have 12 electoral votes. The Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929 fixed the total number of representatives at 435, affecting the distribution of the 538 total electoral votes. Most states employ a winner-take-all method for electoral votes, while Nebraska and Maine use a congressional district method, which allocates votes proportionally.
As required by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, the U.S. Census occurs every ten years, influencing the number of House seats each state holds. This redistribution of House seats can cause a shift in Electoral College votes from one census to the next. It is notable that the calculation of electoral votes is a blend, making a compromise between population-based representation through the House members and equal representation through the Senate.
During a presidential election, electors are chosen based on these numbers and are expected to cast their votes according to the popular vote within their state. Despite the popular vote winner sometimes not gaining the presidency due to the Electoral College's design, this system remains in use as part of the U.S. election process.