A state can decide how to appoint its electors.
However, I thought that electors can not be required to vote a certain way. In reality, electors in the electoral college are loyal party workers, who will vote for their party. Faithless electors are rare because they are party loyalists.
The electoral votes are not just numbers on a scoreboard. They are actual people who have to cast an actual vote. Can you imagine Democrat electors, elected by voters in their state, being compelled to vote for a Republican for president? I can’t see it. I think if this happens, there will be many faithless electors who vote for their own party. Especially if their actions tip the balance in a close election.
You are correct. People seem to forget that there are not JUST 55 electors [as in the case of CA]. There are 110 POTENTIAL electors - 55 DEM loylists and 55 GOP loyalists [in a 2-party race]. Whichever candidate wins, their elector slate is selected.
Thus, VERY FEW faithless electors ...