Final answer:
In a majority election if no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes, a runoff election is held. In most state and national elections, the plurality rule applies, and the candidate with the most votes wins. For presidential elections, if no majority is achieved in the Electoral College, the decision goes to the House of Representatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a typical American election, if no candidate wins a majority of the votes, the outcome depends on whether the election is a plurality or majority election.
For most state and national elections, which operate under a plurality rule, the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority. However, in a majority election often held at the local level, if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election between the top two candidates is required. This ensures that the winning candidate ultimately achieves a majority support from the voters, reflecting a broader consensus.
Specific rules for presidential elections involve the Electoral College, with unique stipulations for majority requirements and what happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes—namely, the decision goes to the House of Representatives. Some states like Georgia, apply majority rule for statewide office, requiring a runoff if no candidate reaches the 50% threshold.