With the 2024 presidential elections in the United States drawing near, attention is starting to shift toward those critical battleground states capable of deciding such an election. Among those most critical states are Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. To speak to the probable implications for such an election, a deeper understanding of the electoral vote which each state carries will better explain it.
The Electoral College system
In the United States of America, a president is elected through what is known as the Electoral College. Under the system, every state is allocated several votes in proportion to the size of its delegation in Congress, comprising two senators and a variable number of members of the House of Representatives, determined by the population. Becoming the president requires the candidate to gain more than half of the 538 votes cast; any candidate requires at least 270 votes to win the presidency. Readers can get a more detailed explanation and learn how the electoral college works here, How does the US electoral system work, what is direct voting and what does it mean that the president is elected by indirect election?
Wisconsin: Key battleground state
Electoral votes
Wisconsin has 10 electoral votes in the 2024 election. That is because of the two senators and eight members of the House of Representatives.
History
Wisconsin has recently been one of the most important states in national elections. In 2016, Donald Trump won Wisconsin by less than 1% of the vote, which played a significant factor in his overall electoral victory. However, the state reverted to form in 2020, with Joe Biden winning the state back for Democrats once again by a razor-thin margin. That razor-thin margin of victory really has seemed to drive home the point that Wisconsin is indeed a true swing state.
Current polling
The latest reports have both Trump and Harris furiously campaigning in Wisconsin, as each camp believes it can go either way. According to The New York Times, the race in Wisconsin remains very tight, with both candidates focusing on key issues that resonate with Wisconsin voters.
Arizona: The southwestern battleground
Electoral votes
Arizona has 11 electoral votes in the 2024 election. This is based on its two Senate seats plus nine House seats.
Historical trends
Traditionally, Arizona has been a Republican state, but in the recent past, it has become more competitive. Although Trump won Arizona in 2016, Biden flipped the state in 2020-the first time a Democratic presidential candidate had won Arizona since 1996.
Current dynamics
It’s a state of growing population and changing demographics, but that fact makes it a key battleground. According to BBC, one critical factor in the election is the state’s diverse electorate-a significant Latino population. Harris and Trump both have close eyes on Arizona, making frequent visits and targeting campaigns respectively.
Pennsylvania: The keystone state
Electoral votes
Pennsylvania carries 19 electoral votes in the 2024 election, which comprises two for its Senate seats and 17 representing its House seats.
Electoral importance
Pennsylvania has been referred to as the “Keystone State,” a name trademarking its historical and political importance. It was one of the pivotal states during the 2016 and 2020 elections. Trump had won the state narrowly in 2016, helping him to secure the Electoral College victory. In the 2020 election, Biden had won the state, helping to clinch the presidency.
Current campaign strategies
Forbes considers Pennsylvania one of the most critical states in this election. Both candidates have invested big time in the state, making several stops and spending on heavy advertising. With its diverse economy and demographics, it provides good direction on health care, economic issues, and energy policy.
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