The House tallies up the electoral votes in a special session of the next Congress in January , and if no candidate reaches a majority , then each state 's delegation in the House casts a vote for president . The likelihood that Obama and Romney each net 269 electoral votes is not so far-fetched . A CNN analysis finds eight scenarios that could yield a Electoral College tie . Scenario 1 : In 1825 , the House awarded the presidency to John Quincy Adams .
The likelihood that Obama and Romney each net 269 electoral votes is not so far-fetched . A CNN analysis finds eight scenarios that could yield a Electoral College tie . Scenario 1 : In 1825 , the House awarded the presidency to John Quincy Adams .