What happens in the case of an electoral tie?

[Doomsayer13]

It's not likely but not inconcieveable. If Dems keep the same makeup as 2000 but pick up West Virginia and New Hampshire, there will be a 269-269 tie in the electoral college. What happens then?

[Paulie]

1. It goes to CONGRESS and we LOSE

Which is why we really need someone who will be a real difference, and give the American people REAL choice, so we NEVER have that scenerio.

[Dookus]

2. well, let's go to the book

or the Constitution as it were. Article II, Section I

The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each; which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for President; and if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by States, the representation from each state having one vote; A quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice.

[lastknowngood]

3. the party will never let that happen

n/t

[Dookus]

6. which party?

no party has any say over this.

[SadEagle]

4. The house votes, but in a weird fashion.

Each state's delegation casts a single vote. This also happens if no delegate gets a majority, even if one has a plurality; that happened in 1824. Then, there were 4 candidates who got electoral votes, the top two being Andrew Jackson, w/99 eVs(153,544 votes), and John Quincy Adams, w/84 eVs(108,740) votes. In the house, the election went to John Q. Adams. All four candidates were from the Democratic-Republican party. In 1828, Andres Jackson became the first candidate to run as a Democrat, and won the rematch, 56%-44%, with a much higher voter participation/eligibility, getting 647,000 votes(!!)

[unblock]

5. house decides the prez, senate decides the veep

of course that's if the supremes don't decide to ignore the constitution again,...

[metisnation]

7. if it does go to congress or a court

you can bet on civil war.

[brainshrub]

8. No...for the following reasons:

1. Most Americans are to fat and lazy to get of their butts to fight.

2. The Americans that would be willing to do something are Liberals & Progressives...and we would fight with non-violent resistance.

I am already getting my affairs in order in case something happens this November and I need to spend an extended period in jail.

[GodHelpUsAll2]

11. Glad to know

Someone besides me is contemplating the prospect of having to go to jail after the GE

[brainshrub]

12. I'll see you there!

And when they release me 48 hours later...I'm going right back to the streets until they put me back.

[Product of Evolution]

9. Well...

I'll tell you right now that if there's an EC tie and Bush becomes President in spite of losing the popular vote, I'll be going Goth for a few days of morning.

[AP]

10. This is why TX redistricting was so important. Republicans will need thos

votes to break a tie.

[Guaranteed]

13. Steel cage match.

Let's hope we get a tie!