Edit: I’m talking more of in the context of shifting populations, not a one-off election. What happens if this is the results of several consecutive elections. Will there just be nothing happening? Indefinite Government Shutdown?
Edit: I’m talking more of in the context of shifting populations, not a one-off election. What happens if this is the results of several consecutive elections. Will there just be nothing happening? Indefinite Government Shutdown?
The general population election is a popularity contest, all the for real voting power is with the electoral college members. Each state has a certain amount of EC representatives depending on population size. They can vote however they want even if its against the states general civillian vote
Yes and no - it varies by state since there are no federal laws that address it.
This is called a “faithless elector” and the majority of states (33 states plus D.C) have laws on the books prohibiting it, though not all void the faithless vote or have any penalties for the elector.