Two of the last five elections were won without gaining the most votes

Popular vote margin (%)

Electoral vote margin (%)

0

20

30

10

Trump

2016

Obama

2012

Obama

2008

Democrats also win

greater margins in the

electoral college, but

have never won without

the popular vote

Bush

2004

Bush

2000

Popular vote margin (%)

Electoral vote margin (%)

30

Democrats also win greater

margins in the electoral college,

but have never won without

the popular vote

20

10

0

Bush 2000

Bush 2004

Obama 2008

Obama 2012

Trump 2016