Russia could creat a million fake votes in California and it would make a difference in who got all of the States Electoral votes. But if it was a popular nationwide vote, an election could be easily thrown. You can only work in close States. And that means eyes can focus on just those to make sure things remain true.
"Russia could creat a million fake votes in California and it would make a difference in who got all of the States Electoral votes." ???
In CA all votes are counted, and the winner of the popular vote - i.e. the slate of the party which received the majority of votes, become members of the electoral college. They are not, however, required to vote for the party slate which receives the majority of the vote.
"But if it was a popular nationwide vote, an election could be easily thrown."
Possibly, easily not likely. Every county / parish in the United States supervises elections. It would take an enormous amount of collusion to have an effect to "throw" and election to someone who was not the major vote winner.
"You can only work in close States" ???
"And that means eyes can focus on just those to make sure things remain true." ???
Have you been drinking?