How many electoral votes are needed to become President?

To become President of the United States, a candidate must receive a majority of the electoral votes. The total number of electoral votes is 538, therefore, to win the presidency, a candidate needs 270 electoral votes. This number is significant because it represents more than half of the total electoral votes, thereby ensuring that the elected president has a sufficient mandate from the electorate. Achieving this majority is crucial during the Electoral College process, which directly impacts the outcome of presidential elections.