The Electoral process works in a way that ensures fairness. Citizens in every state vote for one President and Vice President. When they cast their votes, they actually vote for a group of representatives called electors who pledge to vote for the winning candidate. In most states, (except Maine and Nebraska), the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state receives all of the state’s electoral votes. Maine and Nebraska, however, split their electoral votes based on district-level results and the statewide popular vote.
What impact do swing states have?
Swing states can be the Democratic or Republican party. These states hold a significant role in the election, as they occur when there is a close divide between the number of votes for the parties. In this year’s election, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are very close in the polls. In recent years, it has been seen that swing states can almost swing the election itself. According to CBS News, this year’s swing states include Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
What is a third-party candidate? What are their views?
A third-party candidate does not belong to the Republican or Democratic party. In the 2024 election, the candidates are Chase Oliver, Jill Stein, Cornel West, and Claudia De la Cruz. West’s campaign focuses on income equality, universal healthcare, and ending military interventions. Stein focuses on environmental sustainability, universal healthcare, and social justice. Oliver, as a Libertarian, advocates for limited government intervention, individual liberties, and free-market principles, which can encompass positions traditionally associated with both the left and right.
What is the importance of being educated in politics?
Education in politics is not just important; it’s crucial. As a democracy, every single person’s vote matters. A vital part of this is informing the general public about the elections. This way, citizens have accurate information and can form an educated opinion on who they want to run the country. If citizens are uneducated about the election, they don’t understand how America runs and might not use their vote in a way that could optimize their ideal outcome.
Why are polls such a big deal to voters?
Polls only represent society’s feelings at the moment. Often, polls can have errors and be slightly inaccurate. It is essential to reference the average polls and who conducted them to ensure they are accurate and unbiased. In recent elections, the polls have shown an inaccurate representation of the public’s opinion. However, when major news breaks, polls are still crucial and relevant to undecided voters. The polls publish information about who is likely to win, which can influence undecided voters and let the candidates know what they need to change and do better to appease the public. When voters see the polls, they get a better sense of how the election is shaping up to look, what role their vote has, and who they want to vote for.
How much impact do debates have on voters?
In recent years, independent voters have often decided the outcome of an election, according to ABC News. In the past, presidential and vice presidential debates have “created make-or-break moments for campaigns.” They allow voters to better understand each candidate’s opinions on their opponent. Additionally, the debates allow viewers to grasp a deeper understanding of their policies and what they would do if they were elected. More recently, the use of social media “has allowed them to live longer in the news cycle,” keeping the news more present in people’s minds.
How might foreign countries influence the election?
Foreign powers such as Russia, China, and Iran have interfered with the election through hacking and misinformation. According to News Source Brookings EDU, Russia has allegedly used social media and fake websites to spread propaganda promoting its agenda and misinformation, such as AI-generated videos. For instance, they might create fake news stories or videos that portray a candidate in a negative light. China has also apparently used the internet to disrupt the public’s perception of the election. They might spread false information about a candidate’s policies. Iran has reportedly hacked members of the campaigns and leaked key information in attempts to undermine the election. They might release private emails or documents that could damage a candidate’s reputation. While other countries cannot directly interfere with the election, they can do their best to spread misinformation and propaganda to alter the beliefs of Americans.
