It's possible for the electoral college to be a tie.

Jesus · 11-04-2008, 06:13 PM

I think it's important for young people to know that this is perfectly possible. Unlikely, but possible. Does anyone here know what happens in the event of a tie?

Political Dashboard - 2008 Presidential Election on Yahoo! News

Laika Come Home · 11-04-2008, 06:16 PM

Doesn't it go to the Congress, who's in the tank for Obama?

**Crazyswordsman** · 11-04-2008, 06:23 PM

^Yes, Congress, but not the Senate. -CSM

Eagle Eye · 11-04-2008, 06:24 PM

Can't remember what the exact scenario is, but there's a situation where it could end up a McCain/Obama or Obama/McCain white house.

I am nobody · 11-04-2008, 06:28 PM

It goes to the House.

So far the only example of this is 1800, when Thomas Jefferson tied Aaron Burr (his VP) at 73 votes. (due to a very flawed system in which electors voted for President and VP separately. No one was sure if John Adams or Jefferson would win, so every Republican voted for both Burr and Jefferson; resulted in a 73-73 [to 65] tie) After many ballots, the House (controlled by Federalists) elected Jefferson.

Laika Come Home · 11-04-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GURU ANT

Can't remember what the exact scenario is, but there's a situation where it could end up a McCain/Obama or Obama/McCain white house.

I haven't heard that, but there is a (very small) possibility that there could be an Obama/Palin administration.

EDIT: Ah, here it is: Flopping Aces Â» Blog Archive » The Obama/Palin Administration

Very lengthy, but still worth reading, as it's explained very well.

Jesus · 11-04-2008, 11:44 PM

I don't know about the credibility of that article. It could very well happen but it would cause chaos. I don't think that anyone would want this. With the new senate being democratic majority I doubt that would even occur though.

11-04-2008, 06:13 PM	#1
Jesus Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Gender: Posts: 5,617 Thanks: 104 Thanked 139 Times in 101 Posts Blog Entries: 3	It's possible for the electoral college to be a tie. I think it's important for young people to know that this is perfectly possible. Unlikely, but possible. Does anyone here know what happens in the event of a tie? Political Dashboard - 2008 Presidential Election on Yahoo! News

11-04-2008, 06:16 PM	#2
Laika Come Home Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Gender: Posts: 615 Thanks: 214 Thanked 77 Times in 45 Posts Blog Entries: 1	Doesn't it go to the Congress, who's in the tank for Obama?

11-04-2008, 06:23 PM	#3
Crazyswordsman This key doesn't work. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Booyaville (yeah!) Gender: Posts: 10,791 Thanks: 1,019 Thanked 686 Times in 467 Posts	^Yes, Congress, but not the Senate. -CSM

11-04-2008, 06:24 PM	#4
Eagle Eye Diddy bops Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Birmingham, AL Gender: Posts: 15,014 Thanks: 1,616 Thanked 1,084 Times in 597 Posts	Can't remember what the exact scenario is, but there's a situation where it could end up a McCain/Obama or Obama/McCain white house.

11-04-2008, 06:28 PM	#5
I am nobody Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Over there. Gender: Posts: 5,515 Thanks: 309 Thanked 365 Times in 242 Posts Blog Entries: 7	It goes to the House. So far the only example of this is 1800, when Thomas Jefferson tied Aaron Burr (his VP) at 73 votes. (due to a very flawed system in which electors voted for President and VP separately. No one was sure if John Adams or Jefferson would win, so every Republican voted for both Burr and Jefferson; resulted in a 73-73 [to 65] tie) After many ballots, the House (controlled by Federalists) elected Jefferson.

11-04-2008, 11:44 PM	#7
Jesus Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Gender: Posts: 5,617 Thanks: 104 Thanked 139 Times in 101 Posts Blog Entries: 3	I don't know about the credibility of that article. It could very well happen but it would cause chaos. I don't think that anyone would want this. With the new senate being democratic majority I doubt that would even occur though.