If Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump tie in the electoral college, the decision would move to Congress, following a protocol last used in the early 19th century.
A tie occurs when both candidates receive 269 electoral votes, short of the 270 needed for victory. In such a case, the newly sworn-in House of Representatives, beginning Jan. 3, 2025, would hold a “contingent election” to select the president. Each state delegation, regardless of size, gets one vote, and a majority of 26 votes is required to win.
Meanwhile, the Senate would determine the vice president, with 51 votes needed for a decision. The electoral college votes will be cast on Dec. 17, 2024, with Congress officially counting the votes on Jan. 6, 2025.
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