Dumb question of the day. So what happens if a presidential candidate dies prior to an election? Does the VP candidate step up? Or does the party select someone else to replace the presidential candidate?
I've been told that we don't ever really vote for a candidate. What we actually always vote for is a slate of electors chosen by candidates. If Joe dies, the slate of electors who have been chosen under Joe's name will get together and pick someone. It could be Kamala. Or Hillary. Or Michelle. Or anyone they like. Under such circumstances. the voters would really have no say.
I’m pretty sure it’s up to the party. Who they choose for their candidate isn’t governed by any law (except for the constitutional restrictions).