What is the minimum number of electoral votes a state can have?

The minimum number of electoral votes a state can have is three. This figure is derived from the process established by the U.S. Constitution, which allocates electoral votes based on the number of representatives a state has in Congress. Each state is guaranteed at least one representative in the House, and since every state also receives two electoral votes for its Senate representation, the smallest possible total comes from one representative and two senators, which adds up to three electoral votes.

States with small populations still have this minimum, ensuring that every state has a voice in the presidential election process, no matter how few residents it may have. Therefore, three electoral votes serve as the baseline for every state in the Electoral College system.