Some quick electoral college questions

[wuushew]

1. Since the votes of the Electoral College are counted in Congress January 6th does this mean that in the case of a tie or no majority among candidates the newly formed House of Representatives votes for POTUS? The new session of Congres having started January 3rd.

2. In the event that fifty members of the House choose to obey the popular will of their states vote what happens in the event of a 25-25 tie? I assume that in this situation most likely a swing blue state will betray its people and go over to the Republicans. Which states are likely to do so?

[FarmerOak]

1. Some not-so-quick answers...

The answer to the first question is "yes," with the caveat that this need not necessarily happen on the 6th, simply between the 3rd and the 20th.

The second question is trickier...

In the event of a tie, presumably unbreakable, the Vice President-elect would assume the office of POTUS on January 20. This Vice-President-elect will have been chosen either by the electors, who are not necessarily bound to have voted in accordance with the wishes of their respective populations, or by the Senate, voting as a body, not in the manner of the House of Representatives... each Senator would have one vote.

If there shall be no Vice-President having been chosen by January 20, then the Presidential Succession Act would provide for the Speaker of the House of Representatives to assume the office of POTUS, upon her or his resignation from congress. If she or he is constitutionally or otherwise unqualified for the office of POTUS, then the Act provides for the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to... you get the idea.

As for which blue states might turn traitor... there's no guesses from the Farmer... you're on your own, there.

Of course, your question is strictly theoretical, since we know the Electoral College system is fair and reliable.

Oh, wait. It's not. I forgot.

[jfxgillis]

2. Sadly .. Even if the Dems took the House ...

The Republicans would probably have a majority in breaking the EC tie because they control so many of the one- and two-seat delegations.

There's almost no way blue-state defections could even matter.

[wuushew]

3. How could anyone get away with that without appearing partisan?

Seems like something the guy running against your seat would bring up come next election.

[FarmerOak]

4. Since when are they worried...

... about appearing partisan? It's red meat for the idiots who keep electing them.

[newyawker99]

5. Hi FarmerOak!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: