How many times has the electoral college failed to choose the popular vote winner?

The electoral college has indeed failed to choose the popular vote winner five times throughout U.S. history. This situation occurs when a candidate wins the presidency by securing a majority of electoral votes, despite receiving fewer popular votes nationwide.

The instances of this occurring were in the elections of 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016. Each of these elections raised significant discussions about the efficacy and fairness of the electoral college system in reflecting the true will of the electorate.

Understanding the role of the electoral college is crucial, as it emphasizes the distinction between the popular vote and the system that ultimately determines the presidency. This discrepancy has led to ongoing debates about electoral reform and representation in the democratic process.