" A tie in the nationwide electoral vote is possible because the total number of votes-538- is an even number."(source 3)

Continueing on that note, Runner-ups have lost due to electoral vote but have won the popular vote."According to a Gallup poll in 2000, taken shortly after Al Gore- tanks to the quirks of the electoral college- won the popular vote but lost preisidency."(source 2) Which means Al Gore would have been president and not the other guy.