The House is now voting on a new president. Democrats placed the name of their party leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, in the nomination, and Republicans placed the name of Kevin McCarthy.
Republican Representative Andy Biggs is also expected to garner several votes in the first round.
How voting works: Each member, when his name is called, will indicate the name of the person for whom he is voting. It can be one of the nominees, their own name, someone else’s name, or a present, which is not a vote at all.
The scrutineers will count the votes. The winner must have a majority of those voting for one person. The votes present subtract from this total, thus lowering the threshold for a majority of votes.
If no one receives a majority of the votes cast, there is a second ballot, and so on. If there are multiple ballots, other candidates may have their names nominated.
What could happen next: If McCarthy doesn’t get votes on the first ballot, it’s possible to move an adjournment motion, but it would take 218 votes to do so and Democrats are unlikely to be inclined to help Republicans in any way. either.
There is no playbook for what the chamber will do if the president is not elected on the first ballot. The 1923 vote was decided on the ninth ballot, where they continued to vote until a speaker was chosen. The 1869 Speakers’ Vote lasted 60 ballots over two months.
This Congress can suspend the chamber or continue to vote.
But no other business of the House can be transacted until this vote is completed, including the swearing in of the rest of the members. Until the Speaker’s vote is decided, the Clerk of the House is responsible for the House.
