Understanding the 2016 US Presidential Election: How Much Did Trump Win the Electoral College by?
When discussing the 2016 US Presidential Election, a pivotal question often arises: how much did Donald Trump win the Electoral College by? This election highlighted the complex and often misunderstood nature of the Electoral College, a system that often confuses many voters. In this article, we will delve into the details of Trump's victory, explore some of the peculiarities surrounding the Electoral College, and clarify common misconceptions.
Trump’s Victory in the Electoral College
On Election Day 2016, Donald Trump secured victory in the Electoral College with 306 electoral votes. His opponent, Hillary Clinton, received 232 electoral votes. However, the final count after the resolution of some disputed votes resulted in 304 electoral votes for Trump and 227 for Clinton. This margin represented a significant victory for Trump in the electoral system.
Unusual Electoral Votes and Controversies
While the tally was largely straightforward, there were some exceptions and complications that added to the complexity of the results. In Texas, two electors voted for someone other than Trump—John Kasich received one vote and Ron Paul received another. In Hawaii and California, a total of seven electors deviated from Clinton's camp, voting for Bernie Sanders, Colin Powell, and Faith Spotted Eagle. These deviations, without a doubt, added an unusual element to the final count.
Electoral Votes Reversed and Restored
Some of these votes were contested and ultimately reversed. In the case of Texas, while the initial count showed votes for Kasich and Ron Paul, the state officially decided to restore the votes to Trump. Similarly, in Hawaii, there was a retraction of four votes initially given to Bernie Sanders, restoring them to Clinton. In California, the votes for Colin Powell and Faith Spotted Eagle were similarly overturned. These reversals helped solidify Clinton's total of 227 electoral votes.
Electoral College Votes by Party
Breaking down the votes by political party provides further insight into the distribution of support. Republicans received 309 electoral votes, with Colin Powell, a prominent Republican figure, contributing to this count. Democrats, on the other hand, achieved 224 votes, attributed mainly to Hillary Clinton but also a testament to party endorsements and other independent votes. Notably, there was a swing in Colorado, initially for Trump, but ultimately restored back to Clinton.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
There is an ongoing myth that the term “electoral college” is a recent phenomenon, but it dates back to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The term simply refers to the collective group of electors chosen to vote for the President and Vice President. Despite its long-standing use, the term has sometimes caused confusion, particularly regarding how electoral votes are counted and distributed.
Conclusion
The 2016 US Presidential Election highlighted both the power and the peculiarities of the Electoral College. With Trump winning by a total of 77 electoral votes (304 to 227), it demonstrated a significant margin in the electoral process. Understanding these nuances can help clarify discussions and debates surrounding future elections and the role of the Electoral College in determining the President of the United States.
References
For further reading and verification, you can refer to official Election results by the National Archives or reputable historical sources. These resources provide detailed information and verify the accuracy of the electoral votes counts.