What Happens if a Presidential Candidate Dies?
With the 2020 US Presidential election quickly approaching, the topic of what happens if a candidate dies has been on the minds of many. With the health of both candidates being a major topic of discussion, protecting their health and well-being have been two priorities for the campaigns. But what happens if a presidential candidate were to pass away during the election season?
The Rules State a Posthumous Ballot Cannot be Cast
In the case that something were to happen to either Donald Trump or Joe Biden, the rules state that a posthumous ballot cannot be cast in their favor. There are specific rules set in place that must be followed in the case of an event that would shake the political spectrum, such as this one.
The candidate must either pass away before the general election, or pass away after casting their vote on election day. If said candidate does indeed pass away, their name cannot remain as a choice on the general election ballot.
The Deceased Candidate’s Party Name Remains
The name of the deceased candidate’s political party will remain on the general election ballot and be treated as a valid ballot option. This is because the party will generally decide on an alternate candidate to be featured in the place of the original candidate. Voters may also be allowed to write in someone of their choosing, should such an option become available.
Will Votes for a Deceased Candidate be Counted?
In the event that a presidential candidate does pass away between the time of the primaries and the general election, votes cast in the primary or early voting stages will still be counted if allowed by the corresponding state laws.
If the presidential candidate passes away on or before election day, any votes they receive will generally not be counted. This is because the candidate has to be available to take the oath of office in order to take the presidency.
Who Will Take the Candidate’s Place?
In the unfortunate circumstance of a presidential candidate’s passing, there are a few factors that can play a role in who will replace them. The most likely option is that the party will designate another candidate in their place. This could be an appointed member of the party’s central committee, an interim replacement of sorts until an election can be held in the following year.
The political party can also make a motion to schedule a special election to fill their notice until the next election cycle. This would mean two elections for the same office occurring in the same year, which is allowed under the US Constitution.
Other Possible Parties Could Place Another Candidate
Other political parties who are in favor of the deceased candidate can also use the situation to propose another run for the office. There is potential for a declared small party or an independent candidate to take advantage of a large, unfortunate event, and they could end up becoming a leading figure in the race.
How Would the Candidacy Play Out?
In the case of a national emergency such as a presidential candidate passing, the election campaign season would have to adapt so that the vacancy could be filled. This could include a massive overhaul of the national debate schedule. Other than the proposed debates or forums, any other televised events with just the candidates would need to be rescheduled, including Townhalls, direct voters’ questions, and any other press events.
Then, people from all across the political spectrum would need to decide on their new candidate. These would be fresh choices and newcomers to the election, meaning the entire process would then be kicked off from the beginning. This could constitute for a tense and completely new election season.
The death of a US presidential candidate is an event that, unfortunately, has happened throughout history, and is unfortunately still a possibility with the 2020 election quickly approaching. We hope that only the best health and well-being comes to both candidates, but the truth remains that in the event of a passing, the election would have to respond and shift to an alternate.
However, the rules are clear that a posthumous ballot cannot and will not be cast for the deceased candidate. The party may appoint a candidate to take their place, other parties may also look to utilize the situation and propose a new candidate as well, and a special election may be held later in the year. It is an unfortunate circumstance, but the nation can rest assured that in the event something of this nature were to occur, there are rules and regulations in place to ensure the election to progress without fail.
