Could There Be A Tie

In this historic election, could we actually make even more history?

A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency, but there are a few ways in which these candidates can tie. Now, as I have states before, I don’t look at polls that much, but I am a fan of looking back in history. With past results, and some polling numbers this year, I have come to the conclusion that a tie race can really happen.

How did I come to this?

Well, for those of you who do not know this; CNN has this Electoral Map Calculator, in which you can put which candidate wins what state, and it adds up the votes to see who wins. You can access it here: CNN Electoral Map Calculator

To make this explanation eaier, why not you follow along?

If you decide to do so, we will make it a bit easier by starting with CNN’s 2008 estimate. Here you will see what they believe for sure will vote each way, and what states are leaning which, and toss up states. Looking up top you will see that they believe Barack Obama will win, but let’s be a bit more hopeful and change things around.

Leaving the full colored states along, let’s add a bit to John McCain.

Fully give Georgia, Arizonia, West Virginia, and Arkansas to McCain. Out of the Yellow States, give McCain: Montana, North Dakota, Missouri, Indiania, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. These states have been voting Republican previously, why stop the trend? With that McCain only needs 81 more votes, and here’s how I get to the tie:

Colorado, and Virginia should technically vote for McCain too.

The rest will all go to Obama, and if my (and CNN’s) math is correct, then there will be a tie!

Could there possibly be a tie when the results come in?