The Electoral College influences U.S. presidential elections by established a system where electors from each state formally elect the president, rather than a direct popular vote. Each state's electoral vote count equals its number of representatives in Congress, which can lead to a disparity between the popular vote and the election outcome. Candidates often focus on swing states, where outcomes are unpredictable, to secure the necessary majority of 270 electoral votes. This system can result in scenarios where a candidate wins the presidency without winning the national popular vote, raising ongoing debates about its fairness and relevance.