What is the majority of electoral votes needed to win the presidency?

To win the presidency in the United States, a candidate must secure a majority of the electoral votes. There are a total of 538 electoral votes available, which means that a candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes to achieve a majority. This threshold is significant because it ensures that the winning candidate has a broad level of support across the country, reflecting the federal structure of the government where states have a substantial role in the election process. Consequently, 270 electoral votes is the established benchmark for winning the presidency, making it essential for candidates to focus their campaigns on both populous and less populated states to gather sufficient support.