How is the number of electoral votes determined for each state?

The number of electoral votes assigned to each state is determined by the total number of its senators and representatives in Congress. Each state is allocated two electoral votes, corresponding to its two senators, plus additional votes based on its population, as reflected in the number of representatives it has in the House of Representatives. This means that states with larger populations have more representatives and, thus, more electoral votes, while every state has at least three electoral votes due to the two Senate votes plus at least one House representative.

This system is outlined in Article II of the U.S. Constitution and aims to balance representation between populous and less populous states. By connecting the electoral votes directly to congressional representation, this method ensures that the Electoral College reflects the federal structure of the U.S. government, where both individual states and the population at large play significant roles in the electoral process.