Question about Scalpel Tongue

Something came up in my group's weekly game that we couldn't find the answer to:

During a KRC referendum, the acting vampire plays Scalpel Tongue at superior to tap and cancel his Predator's only unlocked/untapped vampire's votes (and burn 1 blood). Can that reacting vampire play Delaying Tactics before Scalpel Tongue locks/taps him? The vote was gonna pass otherwise. Thanks.

Delaying Tactics
Reaction

[1 Blood]

Only usable during a referendum.
Cancel the referendum. Untap the acting vampire. The political action card (if any) played to call this referendum is returned to its owner's hand (discard afterward), and the acting Methuselah's minions cannot attempt the same political action again this turn.

Scalpel Tongue
Action Modifier
Reaction

Celerity & Presence

[1 Blood]

Only usable during a referendum.
[cel]

 Choose a vampire who has cast one or more votes in this referendum. The chosen vampire is tapped and abstains during this referendum (this cancels that vampire's votes and ballots).

[CEL] 
 As above, and the chosen vampire burns 1 blood.

Nope.

Effects are instantaneous for the most part in vtes. Being Locked, that minion cannot play reaction cards without the aid of a Wake card.