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XII

Twelfth Amendment

Passed by Congress: December 9, 1803

Ratified: June 15, 1804

Text

Electors meet in their states and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, naming persons for each office; they make separate lists signed and certified to the President of the Senate. The House chooses the President from the top three (one vote per state) if no majority; the Senate chooses the Vice-President from the top two if no majority. No person constitutionally ineligible to be President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President.

Plain English

Creates separate Electoral College votes for President and VP, and sets tie/contingent election procedures.