How can the U. S. House of Representatives choose the president?

Answer 1

The House of Representatives elects the U. S. President whenever no candidate receives more than half of all electoral votes. Since 1964, that minimum number has been 270 votes. A tie vote of 269-269 would send the election to the House.

If the House chooses the president, the vote is conducted in a special way-- every state delegation gets one vote.

This has happened two times, in 1800 and in 1824.

Answer 2

If no candidate receives an absolute majority of the electoral votes (currently 270), the House of Representatives holds an election and picks from the top three candidates who will become president.

Answer 3

The idea that the House will elect the president if no candidates wins a majority of the electoral votes is part of the main constitution (Article II section 1) Amendment 12 changes the way the vice-president is elected and modifies the process by which the House would elect the president if the electoral vote does not.