Readers:

Finally, it is Election Day here in the good old U.S. of A.

This election has been the angriest election in my lifetime. Friendships have been lost, families are squabbling, fights have broken out, etc. Regardless of what your political affiliation is, I am sure you and I are both glad this is over tonight (or early tomorrow morning).

I saw this in The Washington Post and wanted to share this “Civics Lesson” on how the Electoral College works. This was published by the Washington Post on November 5, 2016 and the great illustrations were created by Cristina Rivero.

Cristina is a graphic artist with The Washington Post. She creates data visualizations and explanatory graphics focusing on government accountability, health care, foreign affairs and public-opinion polling. You can click here to see other work she has done at The Washington Post.

So, Americans, let’s take a collective deep breath, make amends with our friends and family, and do what we can, as citizens, to help keep our country the greatest place to live in the World.

God bless you all and go vote!

Michael

How the electoral college works

Step 1

Number of electors for each state determined

Each state is allotted one elector for each U.S. representative and senator it has. Washington D.C. receives three electors, the same number of electors as the least populous state.

Step 2

Electors are nominated

Mostly, electors are nominated at state party conventions and their names are given to the state’s election official.

Step 3

Voters select electors on Election Day

Voters in each state cast their ballot for the slate of electors representing their choice of presidential ticket. Electors’ names do not usually appear on the ballot.

Step 4

Electoral votes are tallied for states/jurisdictions

The slate of electors for the presidential ticket that receives the most votes is appointed and all of the electoral votes for that state go to those candidates (Except in Maine and Nebraska, which each give two at-large delegates to whoever wins the state and the rest to whoever wins in each congressional district.)

Step 5

Majority of electoral votes determines the winner

A candidate needs to win a majority of 538 electoral votes — 270 — to be elected president. If no candidate wins a majority of electoral votes, the House chooses the president and the Senate chooses the vice president.

Step 6

Electors ceremonially cast ballots for president

In December, in a largely ceremonial gesture, the electors cast ballots for president and vice president and are expected to follow the popular vote of their state. The votes are counted at a joint session of Congress, and the president is officially elected.