What is the minimum number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency?

To win the presidency, a candidate must secure a majority of the electoral votes, which is established by the U.S. Constitution. The total number of electoral votes is 538, and thus, a candidate requires at least 270 electoral votes to obtain a majority. This number is derived from the understanding that half of 538, plus one, constitutes a simple majority.

The context of the electoral college system emphasizes that winning the presidency involves not just receiving the highest number of votes nationwide, but also accumulating enough electoral votes from the states, which are allocated based on population and representation. Therefore, the necessity of reaching 270 votes ensures a candidate has legitimate, broad support across a sufficient number of states.

Other options such as 250, 300, or 350 do not meet the minimum threshold established by the electoral college framework. Thus, understanding the foundational requirement of 270 electoral votes is essential for grasping the mechanics of presidential elections in the United States.