In modern times, states have typically chosen their states’ electors through a statewide popular vote, but they don’t have to do so. Many of the electors who voted for George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were simply appointed by state legislatures. Even today, states retain the authority to simply pick the electors themselves. They can pick electors to vote for anyone, even someone who is not currently a candidate.

Maybe some states would feel that it’s safer to appoint electors directly! After all, a state legislative vote can’t be hacked. As another option, state legislatures could make clear that electors are free to vote for a candidate other than their national party nominee. A legislature might try to define a limited choice, perhaps allowing electors to vote for a vice presidential nominee in place of a presidential nominee (so Mike Pence instead of Donald Trump, or Tim Kaine instead of Hillary Clinton).

There are many possibilities. But the states don’t have to follow the course that has been laid out by the RNC and the DNC, unless state representatives want to do so.

In recent weeks, some commentators have suggested that electors should exercise independence and cast their ballots for someone new. True, electors are generally independent once they are elected; there are good legal arguments that they cannot be constitutionally bound.