independent.co.uk
Electoral College Tie: House and Senate Roles
Explains the process of resolving a tied Electoral College in the US presidential election, referencing historical precedents and constitutional provisions.
English
United Kingdom
PoliticsUkElectionGovernmentHistoryConstitution
Brookings InstitutionCongressional Research ServiceNprUniversity Of Virginia’s Miller CenterThe Associated Press
Donald TrumpKamala HarrisElaine KamarckAndrew JacksonJohn Quincy Adams
- How would a tied Electoral College be resolved according to the Constitution?
- In a tied Electoral College, the House of Representatives chooses the president, with each state casting one vote regardless of its size. The Senate would decide a tied vice-presidency.
- Has the Electoral College always determined the US president, and if not, what happened?
- The only time the Electoral College didn't decide the presidency was in 1824, when the House chose John Quincy Adams after Andrew Jackson failed to secure a majority.
- What happens if the House of Representatives fails to choose a president before Inauguration Day?
- If the House doesn't choose a president by Inauguration Day (January 20th), the vice-president elect serves until a decision is made. The Senate decides a vice-presidential tie.
- What are the requirements to win the US presidency and what happens if no candidate reaches that number?
- To win the presidency, a candidate needs 270 electoral votes. If no candidate reaches this number, the House of Representatives decides, with each state receiving one vote.
- When would the House of Representatives vote to decide the presidency in a tie, and what constitutes a majority?
- The House votes after newly elected members are sworn in on January 6th. A majority of at least 26 out of 50 votes is needed to elect a president.