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If a president-elect dies before inauguration, does the vice-president elect take his place? Or does Congress elect someone?What if both the president and vice-president elect die before inauguration, I presume Congress elects someone to fill those vacancies?

The status of a dead-President elect is tricky.  Here is my reading of the Constitution.  The electoral college votes for the election winner.  That the election winner is no longer alive does not change the vote.  Article II kicks in only when the president is unable to fulfill the terms of office because he or she is dead.  So I think the electoral college certifies the result of the election, and the vice president becomes president when the presidential term starts.

 


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