A Deadlocked Decision
In the presidential election of 1800, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, both from the Democratic-Republican party, each received 73 votes in the Electoral College, resulting in an unprecedented tie. This left the House of Representatives to choose the next president, as the U.S. Constitution required.
36 Ballots Later
For six days, intense debate and lobbying unfolded in the House. Over 35 ballots were cast, with no clear winner emerging. Federalist members, wary of Jefferson’s policies, initially supported Burr. Finally, on the 36th ballot, a breakthrough came when a few Federalists abstained, allowing Jefferson to win.
The Aftermath
Following this intense and divisive process, Congress passed the 12th Amendment in 1804, requiring separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president. This historic election marked the last time a presidential tie of this kind would take place and shaped the way future elections were managed.
The Presidential Election That Ended in a Tie 🇺🇸
In the 1800 U.S. presidential election, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr each received 73 electoral votes, creating an unprecedented tie. The House of Representatives had to choose the president, per the Constitution. pic.twitter.com/ktlzQALMDE
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) November 5, 2024