Electoral College holds vote

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Electors across the United States prepared to cast their ballots Monday in the Electoral College vote to officially elect President Obama to a second term.

About 121 million voters cast ballots Nov. 6, and chose President Obama over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, but those votes aren't official.

Of the 538 electoral votes, Obama amassed 332 votes, well above the 270 needed to be declared president, CNN reported. Romney won 206 electoral votes.

Congressional districts in each state select an elector to cast the official ballot. In most states, electors must pledge to vote for the candidate who won the majority of the popular vote, CNN said.

Electors meet in their respective state capitals on the Monday following the second Wednesday in December.

The number of electors equals a state's representation in Congress.