What does "Winner-Takes-All" mean in the context of the Electoral College?

In the context of the Electoral College, "Winner-Takes-All" means that the candidate who receives the most votes in a state during the presidential election is awarded all of that state's electoral votes. This system amplifies the impact of winning a state, as capturing a majority of the votes in that state guarantees a full slate of electoral votes, which are then counted towards achieving the required majority needed to win the presidency.

This approach incentivizes candidates to focus their campaigns on winning individual states, especially those with a larger number of electoral votes. The "Winner-Takes-All" mechanism applies in 48 states and Washington, D.C., fostering a competitive landscape where a small margin of victory can lead to significant electoral advantages.