**Electoral Tie: Trump & Harris Outcome**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 06, 2024

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Electoral Tie: Trump & Harris Outcome - A Hypothetical Scenario

The 2020 US Presidential election was a nail-biter, but ultimately saw Joe Biden emerge victorious. However, what if the outcome had been different? What if the election had resulted in an Electoral College tie between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris?

This hypothetical scenario, while unlikely, raises a crucial question: what would have happened if the election had resulted in a dead heat? The answer, unfortunately, is not straightforward.

The Constitutional Impasse

The US Constitution lays out a clear process for determining the winner of a presidential election. However, it fails to address the possibility of a tie in the Electoral College. The Twelfth Amendment outlines procedures for electing a president and vice president when no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, but it only addresses scenarios where one candidate is short of a majority, not a tie between two candidates.

The House of Representatives' Role

In the event of a tie, the decision would have been thrown to the House of Representatives. Each state delegation would have one vote, requiring a majority of states (26 out of 50) to elect the president. The Senate would then have chosen the Vice President from the two candidates with the highest number of electoral votes.

Potential Outcomes

This scenario presents numerous possibilities:

• Trump's Re-election: Given the Republican control of the House at the time, Trump could have potentially been re-elected, despite losing the popular vote.
• Harris's Victory: While unlikely, a scenario where enough Republicans joined with Democrats to elect Harris is possible, depending on the political climate and the pressure from various interest groups.
• Deadlock and Political Instability: The House could have remained deadlocked, leading to prolonged uncertainty and a possible constitutional crisis. This scenario would have been unprecedented and potentially destabilizing.

The Political Landscape

The political climate in 2020 was intensely polarized, with deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats. This division would have likely amplified in the face of a tied election, making any outcome unpredictable.

Lessons Learned

While this scenario is hypothetical, it highlights the importance of a robust and clear electoral process. The Constitution's lack of clarity on how to handle an Electoral College tie demonstrates the need for revisiting and potentially amending the electoral system to address such unforeseen circumstances.

It also serves as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the potential for instability when confronted with extraordinary events. In a democratic society, clear rules and procedures are essential for maintaining order and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.