The state of Iowa recently conducted the Republican primary, a preliminary election to determine the party's nominee for elective offices like the president, governor, or senator. This process involves registered Republican voters casting their ballots for their preferred candidate in state-level elections. The candidate who secures the most votes in each state earns delegates, and the one with the overall majority becomes the party's nominee. This primary system allows party members to actively participate in the democratic selection of candidates, playing a crucial role in the U.S. election process.

The winner of these primaries becomes the Republican candidate for the presidential election in November. Former president, Donald Trump won the first Iowa primary election, which was held on January 15. In the U.S. presidential election, the Electoral College Elector casts the decisive votes, representing each state.

Key aspects of how the Electoral College operates include:

1. Number of electors in each state: Each state has the same number of electors as the total members of its legislature (combining Senate and House of Representatives members).

2. Winner-takes-all: The "winner-takes-all" system means that if a candidate secures the most votes in a state, all electors from that state then vote for that candidate.

3. The electoral college count: Electors from each state form their Electoral College on the first Monday in December and vote to elect a new president and vice president.

4. Majority of 270: To become president, a candidate must secure a majority of at least 270 electoral votes. After the vote, they tally every state’s electoral votes, and if a candidate surpasses 270, they are elected president.

Electors represent votes rather than individual people. Every state takes part in the election, and the candidate who wins the most votes in a state receives its electoral votes. Although the Electoral College was initially introduced to balance national influence and maintain state significance, it has faced occasional criticism from the public.

As it is an election year, it will be interesting to see how events unfold in the next four years.