The vote took on added suspense because of the closeness of the race, and the slim possibility that Bush's victory could be overturned. As the day began, Bush held a 271-267 lead over Gore among the 538 pledged electors. A switch by three Bush electors, along with the uncast Gore vote, could throw the election to the House. A switch by four Bush electors and the election was Gore's. In many states, electors are bound by law to keep their pledge.
Some scholars say such laws probably are unenforceable.
Several electors in the past have broken their pledge, most recently in 1988, but never in a close election where it could change the result. Lieberman said, drinking black coffee at the Stamford Diner in his hometown. Democrats used e-mails and telephone calls to argue that Gore deserved to be president because he won the popular vote. And many kept their traditions. The ballots in New Hampshire were sealed with wax, placed in envelopes and carefully carried from the room.