The Electoral College system allocates 538 electors to the 50 states based on their representation in Congress. A candidate needs 270 electors to win the presidency. Most states follow a winner-take-all approach. Some key elections include 2000 where Bush won despite losing the popular vote, and 2012 where Obama received over 69 million votes, the most ever. Congressional and gubernatorial elections are also held today, with control of the Senate seen as most in play. State initiatives on issues like marijuana and same-sex marriage are also decided. The first poll closings begin at midnight on the East Coast.