Ask an expert: Voting, the Electoral College and the 2024 presidential election

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ­­— The outcome of the 2024 presidential election may hinge on a few thousand swing votes in a handful of states, including Pennsylvania, according to Daniel Mallinson, associate professor of public policy and administration at Penn State Harrisburg. Mallinson spoke with Penn State News about the importance of voting and how the Electoral College and election certification processes work.

Q: Why is it so important to participate in an election? 

Mallinson: Participating in any election is important because it is one of our most fundamental rights as citizens and an opportunity to influence governance. This election is particularly important as we are choosing a president for the next four years.

Even more important this year is Pennsylvania. The Electoral College math suggests that it will be hard for either candidate to win the White House if they lose Pennsylvania. It’s not impossible, but much more difficult.

Finally, Pennsylvania is important because the race is essentially tied between the candidates, at least in the polling. The elections in 2016 and 2020 were decided by 44,000 and 80,000 votes, respectively. Those may seem like big numbers, but those are very close wins. And the win this year seems likely to be very close again. 

Q: Why is voting considered such a privilege? 

Mallinson: It’s our most fundamental right and responsibility as citizens. Historically, when a citizen loses their right to vote, it is referred to as “civil death.” I think that communicates the gravity of the privilege. While many may feel their vote does not matter, if you do not participate then it’s my opinion you should not complain about the outcome. Engaging in the electoral process is key to having a say in decisions that affect us all.

Q: What is the Electoral College, and how does it work?

Mallinson: It is the method by which we choose the president and vice president of the United States, but no other elected officials. Each state receives the number of electoral votes equal to their total members of the U.S. House and Senate, which is based on population. The District of Columbia also receives three votes, which is the minimum any state can hold. Pennsylvania, for example, has 19 electoral votes in the 2024 election.

A candidate needs to receive at least 270 electoral votes — more than half the total 538 — to be elected president, and the vice presidential choice is tied to the choice for president. If no one receives 270 votes, then the U.S. House of Representatives decides the president. That, however, has never happened. 

Q: How does the election certification process work?

Mallinson: States each have their own processes by which the votes cast in county polling locations are counted, first by the counties, then transmitted to and certified by the state. Once the state certifies the final vote tallies, the slate of electors representing the winning candidate are appointed and cast their official electoral votes that are then transmitted to Congress for counting.