Even in the states where the name of the presidential nominee can't be replaced, the replacement doesn't matter. In all states, whatever name appears on the ballot, one is actually voting for electors, members of the Electoral Collage. Some states don't list the name of the candidates for President and Vice President, but the names of the electors and to whom they are pledged. The electors actually vote for the president and vice president and they can vote for whomever they like, someone on the ballot or not. If, for example, John McCain were to be hit by a meteor, killing him, long after changing the ballots wasn't possible, his electors would go to the Electoral College and vote for a replacement. The RNC might well meet and select someone they recommend, but that isn't binding on the electors. The RNC might suggest Huckabe, for example, and the electors could all vote for Romney.

If the veep slot were vacant, it could simply be left vacant and Obama's electors, for example, could select someone, likely following his suggestion.

In any case, the name of the ballot, whether a dead person or not, is irrelevant. Our votes only select the electors and they would be selected at the election in any case. The real question, left unanswered by the article, is what would happen if an elector died before performing his duty. I suppose a plane crash could wipe out a significant number of electors and they'd need to be replaced. I'd imagine the whole thing would go to the House then.

Conversely, if Democratic electors were stoned/intoxicated and performing illict sexual acts during a platform vote to reduce military funding ...

It wouldn't change a thing.

Nothing like a comment showing the intelligent discourse Republicans are capable of.

Electors don't vote on military funding, however much it should be decreased.

Non-Republican here. Just enjoy talking to Democrats who insist they aren't sanctimonious whoremongers.

You know that they voted on a plank regarding the military. Something airy and benign and of course, weak.

If you want to make it up as you go along, write a SLATE column, not a response.

I don't know who "they" are, but electors, Republican or Democrat, don't vote on planks or the military budget. They cast ballots for President and Vice President only. As members of the Electoral College, they do one thing and then that's it. I am hardly "making it up as I go along," but looking at the Constitution and how it describes the election of the President and Vice President.

However, at least you and I agree on one thing, I should be writing a Slate column. Hey, David Plotz, did you read that? The public wants me.

You are Wanted and Desired. Just like Roman Polanski.