US Election: What happens in the event of a tie between Trump and Biden?

US Presidential election candidates incumbent Donald Trump (R) and Joe Biden (D).

As Kenyans and the world follow the race to the White House, many are glued on candidates President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden's thrilling race to garner the 270 or more electoral college votes that the winner must attain.

What would happen if each got 269 votes occasioning a draw?

According to The Independent newspaper, no US presidential election has ever ended in a tie.

The Independent reports, "In the event of a drawn result, the newly elected House of Representatives would choose the president, with each state delegation having one vote. A simple majority of states, equivalent to 26 votes or more, would be needed to win."

And the Vice President?

The BBC reports, "The Senate would choose the vice-president, with all 100 senators having a vote."

If the House of Representatives vote is a  25-25 tie, what would happen? "

According to NBC, if the House ends up in a tie one state would have to flip their vote to determine a winner. They will have until January 20 to try to get the 26 votes. 

What about if there is still a tie on Inauguration Day?

The law is that the vice president-elect will become the acting president until the House breaks the tie.

The Senate decides the vice president-elect by a majority vote in the Senate. There are 51 senators, which negates the possibility of a tie. 

By Thursday, Biden was leading with 264 against Trump's 214.

In the absence of a tie, the decision on who will carry the day depends on the outcome of the Electoral College system.

It was the Electoral College that led to Trump's victory against Hillary Clinton in 2016, after losing the popular vote, but whether history will repeat itself still remains unknown.