The Electoral College process in U.S. presidential elections involves a system where voters elect a slate of electors pledged to support their chosen candidate. Each state possesses a number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress, which totals 538 nationwide. Voters cast their ballots for a presidential candidate, and the candidate receiving a majority of votes in a state typically receives all of that state's electoral votes. Once elected, the electors formally cast their votes in December, finalizing the election outcome. This system can result in scenarios where a candidate wins the presidency without securing the popular vote due to the distribution of electoral votes.