What is the composition of the U.S. Electoral College?

The composition of the U.S. Electoral College consists of a total of 538 electors. This number is derived from the combination of the 435 Representatives and 100 Senators in Congress, along with an additional 3 electors allocated to the District of Columbia as per the 23rd Amendment. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure a majority of the electoral votes, which is set at 270. Understanding this structure is crucial as it reflects how the federal government is organized in terms of representation at both the state and national levels during the electoral process. The significance of the total number of electors being 538 reinforces the balance between population representation in the House and equal state representation in the Senate while also accommodating the unique status of Washington, D.C.