The president and the vice president of the United States are the only elective federal officials NOT elected by a direct vote of the people. The device of the electoral college was suggested by Alexander Hamilton and adopted by the framers of the Constitution. The founding fathers were concerned about direct election by the people and were trying to establish a balance between the state's and the people's interests. Through the years there have been more than 100 attempts in Congress to abolish the electoral college, all unsuccessful. A majority of 270 electoral votes is needed to elect the president and vice-president.
Electors vote separately for the two offices.
The presidential electors are chosen by the political parties. In most states each party nominates a slate of electors at their state convention. These people are usually selected on the basis of their party service. On election day, when voters choose a presidential ticket including the presidential and vice presidential candidates, they are actually voting for electors pledged to that ticket. Some voters are not aware that this is what they are doing as the names of the electors do not appear on the ballot in many states.