“We, the People, cast votes for candidates in November for President of the United States. OUR votes can’t be bought.”
Guess what!
The Electoral College has very similar rules.
From:
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html
Each candidate running for President in your state has his or her own group of electors. The electors are generally chosen by the candidate’s political party, but state laws vary on how the electors are selected ( http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/electors.html#selection ) and what their responsibilities are. Read more about the qualifications of the Electors ( http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/electors.html#qualifications ) and restrictions on who the Electors may vote for ( http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/electors.html#restrictions ).
There is no Constitutional provision or Federal law that requires Electors to vote according to the results of the popular vote in their States. Some States, however, require Electors to cast their votes according to the popular vote. These pledges fall into two categories—Electors bound by State law and those bound by pledges to political parties.
(Shhhhh.... I was trying to keep the discussion of this convoluted-goat-f**k-of-a-system limited to just the Primary season. It’s complicated enough, without bringing in the whole Electoral College side of things. But yes, you’re right. I was merely trying to point out that it’s against the law to give YOU or ME a golf club membership for our votes, but it’s perfectly legal to bribe these delegates in the Primary election, or the electors in the General election.)