This can be done by receiving a plurality of votes in any group or combination of states. .
The actual electors who make up the Electoral College are selected every four (4) years according to the procedures established by the legislatures of their respective state. Generally however, the political parties nominate the electors at their state party conventions or by a vote of the party's central committee. Sometimes these electors are nominated to recognize their service and dedication to their particular political party. Ultimately, after being nominated these electors are voted on by the people of their state on the day of the general election. As a side note, the Constitution contains very little mention of the qualifications needed to become an elector, except that this person may not be a Senator or Representative of the particular state. .
Once elected to the Electoral College, the winning electors from each state meet (generally in the States Capital) on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December (in 2000, it was December 18th). At this meeting the electors vote, by ballot, for President and Vice President. The States then prepare a Certificate of Votes to record the outcome. These certificates are sent by each state to the president of the United States Senate, where they are opened and counted, and the President and Vice President are formally elected. .
There are no Constitutional or Federal Laws, which require electors to vote for the candidate who won the popular vote for that elector's particular state. However, many states have their own laws regarding so-called "faithless electors". In twenty-eight out of fifty states (including such large states as California and Florida) state laws now exist, which punish these faithless electors by numerous means, including but not limited to, fines and/or a disqualification of their vote. The instances of electors not following the popular vote of the people are indeed very rare.