Why do we have the Electoral College? The history of and arguments against the institution

Until polls close on Election Day, millions of people across the United States are casting ballots for their preferred candidates to succeed President Biden in the White House. But determining the winner is not as simple as totaling up how many people voted for Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump, because of the Electoral College. 

The Electoral College is a controversial step in the U.S. election process that dates back to the 18th century. While there's a growing movement to try to get rid of it, others defend the system that gives some states more weight in presidential elections.