Ok I've not been interested before but now I am.........?

Each state has representatives in what is called the Electoral College. Larger states have more Electoral College representatives, resulting in more votes for states like California and Texas, and less for states like Rhode Island and Machussetts. There are two parts of the Electoral College in each state; one for the Democrats, and one for the Republicans. These representatives are chosen from high ranking local party officials, and are almost certain to vote for their party (although they can, theoretically, change their minds in some states; in others, I believe they are bound by contract). When you cast your vote in November, you are really deciding which branch of the Electoral College in your state is allowed to go to Washington to cast their votes for president.