Edit: I’m talking more of in the context of shifting populations, not a one-off election. What happens if this is the results of several consecutive elections. Will there just be nothing happening? Indefinite Government Shutdown?
Edit: I’m talking more of in the context of shifting populations, not a one-off election. What happens if this is the results of several consecutive elections. Will there just be nothing happening? Indefinite Government Shutdown?
The Electoral College subverts the will of the people by allowing the states/people split you describe. However, fluctuations in voter turnout and the large population of swing voters prevent any consistent election results year over year.
Two dynamics show no signs of letting up: mid-term elections favor the party that isn’t in the White House, and the party not in power (for any given elected office) tends to experience a more motivated base and a friendlier swing vote. These major dynamics, and many smaller ones, produce enough turbulence that the electoral college can’t wholly determine the outcome of every election.