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The 2024 US Presidential election is shaping up to be a tight race, with many analysts predicting a close finish between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. While most discussions focus on who will win the popular vote, the possibility of a tie in the Electoral College is a scenario that needs serious consideration. In such a scenario, the decision for the next president and vice president would be taken out of the hands of the public and placed in the hands of Congress.
To understand the potential for a tie, it's crucial to grasp the US election system. Each state is assigned a number of electors based on its population, with a total of 538 Electoral College votes. To win the presidency, a candidate needs to secure at least 270 electoral votes. A tie occurs when both candidates receive 269 votes. While this hasn't happened in recent history, it's not impossible. Several scenarios could lead to this outcome, such as Harris winning certain key swing states but losing Pennsylvania and Georgia.
If a tie occurs, the 12th Amendment of the US Constitution comes into play. It mandates a 'contingent election,' where the House of Representatives elects the president and the Senate elects the vice president. Each state's delegation in the House gets one vote, and the candidate who reaches 26 votes first wins. The Senate, with each Senator casting a single vote, determines the vice president. This process would take place in January after the new Congress is sworn in. While this scenario is highly improbable, it highlights the intricacies of the American electoral system and the potential for unexpected outcomes.
The contingent election process raises concerns about the democratic nature of the US election system. The outcome hinges on the composition of Congress, which may not reflect the will of the majority of voters. This underscores the need for voters to engage in the political process and vote for their representatives, as their choices could have a significant impact on the presidential election in the event of a tie. The 2024 election is a crucial moment for the United States. It is not just about choosing a president, but also about reaffirming the principles of democracy and ensuring that the voice of the people is heard.
Source: What happens if there’s a tie between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris?