Short Answer 
The Electoral College is used for the indirect election of the president and vice president, with each state receiving electoral votes based on its congressional representation. The minimum number of electoral votes for a state is 3, composed of 2 senators and 1 representative, with states like Alaska serving as examples of this minimum allocation.
Understanding Electoral College Votes
The Electoral College is a mechanism established by the United States Constitution for the indirect election of the president and vice president. Each state is allocated a certain number of votes based on its representation in Congress. This includes its senatorial seats and House of Representatives votes.
Minimum Number of Electoral Votes
The minimum number of electoral college votes a state can possess is 3. This is determined by the allocation of votes based on the following criteria:
- Each state has 2 senators, contributing 2 votes.
- Every state has at least 1 representative in the House, adding 1 vote.
Examples of States with Minimum Votes
States like Alaska exemplify those that have the smallest electoral college vote count. Due to their population size, they meet the criteria of having only 3 electoral votes. It’s essential to understand how these allocations impact the overall presidential election process.