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2024 US Election Tie: Contingent Election Explained
Explains the possibility of a tie in the 2024 US presidential election and details the process of a "contingent election," including historical precedents.
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United States
PoliticsUs PoliticsElectionHistoryUs GovernmentContingency
House Of RepresentativesSenateCnnCongressRepublican Party
Kamala HarrisJoe BidenDonald TrumpThomas JeffersonAaron Burr
- Have contingent elections occurred since 1800?
- Contingent elections have happened before, notably in 1824, resulting in John Quincy Adams's election despite Andrew Jackson winning the popular vote. The 1876 election involved disputes but bypassed the contingent election process.
- When would a "contingent election" take place?
- A contingent election would occur on January 6th, after Congress counts the electoral votes and determines no candidate has a majority. The House would choose from the top three candidates, with each state delegation holding one vote.
- Why does this strange tie-breaker system exist?
- This unusual system stems from the 1800 election tie between Jefferson and Burr. The 12th Amendment was created to address this, establishing the process for a contingent election if no candidate secures a majority.
- How would the process of a "contingent election" work?
- The process favors smaller states, as each state delegation in the House gets one vote regardless of population. There's no obligation for state delegations to reflect their state's popular vote winner, potentially leading to partisan maneuvering.
- What would happen if there is a tie in the 2024 presidential election?
- A tie is possible in the 2024 election if neither presidential candidate receives 270 Electoral College votes. This would trigger a "contingent election," where the House of Representatives chooses the president and the Senate chooses the vice president.