What Happens If No One Has An Electoral Majority

[Yavin4]

First, is that possible? Second, what happens then? Third, is it a simple majority or does someone have to have 270?

[HFishbine]

1. Would only be possible

If a third party candidate garnered at least one elector. Then it goes to the House of Representatives.

[JohnnyCougar]

5. nope

There can be a 269-269 tie. The winner MUST achieve 270, otherwise, the house votes for president and Bush wins. The Senate votes for VP, and if the Dems take back the senate, then Edwards would be VP.

[Yuugal]

6. Am I missing something?

269-269 is possible. No need for 3rd party?

[HFishbine]

8. I stand corrected

Yes, that is correct. It is possible to have a 269/269 tie. I've even managed to come up with that scenario playing wround with electoral maps. Sorry for the incorrect information.

[Bucky]

7. And remember the House votes by state

Each state gets only one vote, as voted on by the state's House delegation. So you need at least 26 states with a majority of Republican House members representing it for them to win. I'm pretty sure they can manage that. States with equal numbers of Rep & Dem seats either have to cut a deal really quick, or will be left out of the vote.

[King Coal]

2. Oh you don't want to know that.

[demokatgurrl]

3. Check this site:

www.electoral-vote.com and look for "FAQ". I know it's there (I just haven't read it yet).

I don't think it's anything we want though- House of Rep or some other thing will choose.

[aden_nak]

4. It is possible with more than 2 candidates receiving electoral votes, yes.

Kind of makes you wonder, then, that the numerical requirement is in our system when, in theory, we can have more than two candidates running. As for what happens then, I have no idea.