Thread: What do they mean that Obama can win the popular vote and not the electoral votes required?

I know that this happened to Al gore but im not sure how this works. Whats the difference between an electoral vote and popular vote? What is an electoral vote?

No public campaigning for candidates please.

They meant just what they have said. Gore got most popular votes but lost due to the electoral college vote. I think it's going to be that way this time. Obama may get popular but he's lost the election.

President McCain has already won.

The popular vote is the vote that the people make, hence popular. When people go to the polls, and cast their vote, that goes towards the popular vote. The electoral college is made up of elected representatives, other politicians [senators and representatives in the house], that also vote for the president. Each state gets a certain number based on population. California has the most, 55, and around 6 states share the least with only 3 votes. In order for the nominee to win, they have to have at least 270 votes from the electoral college. This is why it's also very important to vote, not only for the president, but for your congressmen!