On Monday, the Electoral College meets amid protests to vote for the president of the United States. Many have asked the Electoral College voters to side with the popular vote in the presidential election, which Hillary Clinton won in a landslide, and to not seat President-elect Donald Trump.
What is usually a ceremonial vote has now become hotly contested after CIA and FBI reports that Russia hacked the general election. Below is everything you need to know about the Electoral College and whether we can expect a different outcome.
How many people are in the Electoral College?
There are 538 electors.
How will voting take place?
Electors will cast their vote inside their state's Capitol. Earliest results are expected around 10 a.m. Monday EST, and the latest votes are expected around 7 p.m. EST.
How many votes are needed to name the president?
A total of 270 votes are needed to make the election official.
Have any electors said they will switch their votes?
Only one elector, Chris Suprun from Texas—whose vote was pledged to Trump—told ABC News’ Nightline that he won't be voting for the Republican nominee. Suprun said that allegations of Russian hacking swayed his vote, adding that he was "concerned when a foreign government intrudes on our elections. They're not doing it with our best interest in mind. I don't think we deserve a classified briefing, but I do think we should get as many facts as […] we can without compromising sources or methods that the intelligence community can provide," ABC News reports.
Could the Electoral College actually vote Hillary Clinton into office?
Yes.
Is it a long shot?
Yes! Donald Trump has 306 electors pledged to him. Since he needs only 270 to officially become the next president, at least 37 electors would have to cross party lines and vote for Clinton. ABC News notes that 30 states have laws that prevent electors from voting against their state's popular vote, but adds that no one has been penalized for doing so.
Read more at ABC News.