It is very unlikely, but it is still possible. Barack Obama and Mitt Romney can potentially split the 538 electoral votes, 269-269, falling 1 vote shy of the needed majority of 270.
If this happens, then all hell is sure to break loose. Rather than explain it to you, I will post a video below that explains what will happen. For the convenience of those who cannot watch or listen at work. Here are some of the most important points.
- If there is a tie, the House of Representatives breaks the tie. But instead of each of the 435 members getting a vote, each state is given 1 vote. This is awful because the 10 states that make up more than half of the U.S. population only get 20% of the vote, giving the other 40 states 80% of the vote.
- This is also used if there are 3 candidates that receive electoral votes with no one getting the needed 270.
- In the event of a tie, while the House of Representatives picks the new President, the U.S. Senate will select the Vice President. It is NOT a package deal once the President is selected.
- Because of the even number of Senators and the House voting as 50 states, that still leaves room for a tie. In the event of the House and the Senate cannot pick the new President and Vice President, the Speaker of the House becomes acting President until a decision is made.
[youtube id = sHEDXzOfENI]
That’s right folks, although unlikely, we could be subjected to an Obama Presidency with a Paul Ryan Vice Presidency or a Mitt Romney Presidency and a Joe Biden Vice Presidency. At least Saturday Night Live would have endless material.
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