The Electoral College arose as a compromise between the framers of our nation—a mediation between election of the president by popular vote and congressional vote. There are 538 electoral votes up for grabs.
Texas gets 38 electoral votes this election year—a number equal to state congressional representatives. Texas is a winner- take-all state, which means the candidate with the most votes takes all electoral votes in the state.
Each precinct has an allotted number of delegates to send to the county/Senate district convention. Texas parties use different methods of tallying electoral votes.
HOW TO BECOME A DELEGATE
• Arrive at your designated precinct location on primary day at 7:00 p.m. with proof of your party vote.
• Voters divide delegates based on support for a candidate.
• Party members nominate delegates to send to the county/Senate district convention.
• Delegates for state convention are chosen at national convention, where they cast their vote for presidential candidate.
PRECINCT CONVENTION
What is a precinct? A county is divided into geographic areas known as precincts, to which each home address is designated. Check any local newspaper the Saturday before Election Day to find your polling place!
COUNTY/SENATE DISTRICT CONVENTION
If you are elected as a delegate, you will attend your county district convention. In urban areas, such as Austin, Senate district conventions are held.
STATE CONVENTIONS
Delegates are similarly nominated to move on to the State convention and ultimately the National convention, where they will cast their ballots for president and vice-president.
NATIONAL CONVENTION
At the national convention, each party nominates its candidate for the presidency and solidifies its political platform.
