How does the Electoral College work in presidential elections?

When Americans vote for president, they are technically voting for a slate of electors pledged to their chosen candidate. Each state receives a number of electors equal to its total congressional representation, meaning its House seats plus its two Senate seats. Washington D.C. gets three electors. This totals 538 electors nationwide, and a candidate needs 270 to win. After the popular vote in each state, the winning candidate typically receives all of that state's electoral votes, though Maine and Nebraska award some electors by congressional district. In December, electors formally cast their votes, which Congress certifies in January. If no candidate reaches 270, the House of Representatives chooses the president, with each state delegation casting one vote.