Are representatives and electors same in American elections? And when people vote for Representatives and Senators, do they vote twice, one for representative and one for Senator? Please explain a bit about American elections.

Question

Please.

In: Planetary Science

Answer 1

Let’s say you live in Akron, Ohio. Congratulations, you live in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. You have a representative in the House. That seat is up for election every two years.

Ohio also has 2 senators who represent the entire state, not just your district. Those terms last 6 years, and the two seats are staggered so both never come up for election in the same year. This is a year where one of the seats is being contested.

This year is also a presidential election year, so the candidates for president are on the ballot.

When you go vote, you will vote for the representative from the 13th district, a senator, and a president. The votes for rep and senator are direct. Whoever wins the most votes wins the seats. For president, whoever wins the most votes in the state wins that state’s electors, who then vote for pres directly in December. You do not choose electors. You tell the state your preference for president, and unless the state wants a massive shitstorm, they will send electors to Washington who will follow their state’s voters preferences for president.