ieExplains: What is the electoral college and how does it choose the next US president?

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate. Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

As the US prepares for another high-stakes election, Donald Trump is aiming for a White House comeback while Kamala Harris is campaigning to make history and become the first woman to be elected president.

The race hinges on 270 electoral votes., stemming from the US Electoral College.