Why does California have the most electoral votes?

California, with its impressive 54 electoral votes, has more sway in the Electoral College than any other state. Why? Simple: people.

The Golden State has a bigger population than any other in the US, which translates into more congressional districts and therefore, more electoral votes. In fact, with around 39 million residents as of the latest count, California makes up about 12% of the entire US population. That population-based power is the backbone of California’s political clout, although smaller states tend to take the decisiveness focus.

Each state’s electoral votes are determined by adding together its number of representatives in the House and its two senators. With a whopping 52 House members (out of 435 nationwide) and two senators, California’s electoral heft is substantial. No other state comes close in terms of population, which is why California has held onto the top electoral vote count for years – and with steady population growth, it’s likely to keep that title.

Does California’s voting process affect its electoral vote count?

Not directly. California’s flexible voting system, however, is tailored to accommodate its massive, diverse population, making voting as accessible as possible.

With options like early voting (which started on October 7, 2024, for the upcoming election), vote-by-mail, and secure drop-off boxes, California makes sure all eligible residents can easily vote, but the number of electoral votes doesn’t fluctuate with turnout. Even if fewer Californians voted, the state would still keep its 54 votes due to its large population.

California’s options cater to different lifestyles and schedules, and all registered voters automatically get a mail-in ballot about a month before Election Day, which can be returned by mail or dropped off at secure locations across the state by November 5. The early convenience, however, doesn’t mean the counting itself is any quicker.

What happens if California’s population grows or shrinks?

Every ten years, after the census, congressional seats – and therefore electoral votes – are reassigned based on population changes.

California’s numbers have held steady for decades, but if more people continue moving to other states, it could lose a seat and a corresponding electoral vote. That’s unlikely anytime soon, though, given California’s large urban areas and strong job market. But any significant dip in population could nudge it down a peg, so population trends matter for electoral heft.