With all the talk of Congressman John Boehner stepping down as Speaker of the House, the conversation now turns to how we elect the future speaker of the house. 

According to Wikipedia, The House of Representatives elects the Speaker of the House on the first day of every new Congress and in the event of the death or resignation of an incumbent Speaker. To be elected as Speaker, a candidate must receive an absolute majority of all votes cast for individuals. 

According to Vince Fong, media spokesman for Majority leader Kevin McCarthy, that vote will happen before the new term of Congress next year. He could not confirm when that will happen, and would not say whether McCarthy will be chosen as the candidate.