How are electoral votes allocated on a state-by-state basis?

• A. Most states use winner-take-all; a few use proportional allocation
• B. All states allocate electors by statewide popular vote
• C. Electors are awarded by congressional district in every state
• D. The allocation is determined by the governor's decision

Answer: (A)

Electoral votes are allocated state by state under each state's own rules. In most states, the candidate who wins the statewide popular vote receives all of that state's electoral votes, a system known as winner-take-all. A small number of states use a district-based approach, awarding electoral votes by congressional district and giving the two at-large votes to the statewide winner, so the total can be split between candidates. This allocation is determined by state law and election results, not by the governor. So, the standard pattern is winner-take-all for most states, with a district-based method used in a couple of states.