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Understanding the US Presidential Election
Explains the US presidential election process, including voting methods, the Electoral College, swing states, and the announcement of results.
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Us PoliticsElectionsGovernmentVotingElectoral System
DwPew Research CenterHouse Of RepresentativesElectoral CollegeCongress
Kamala HarrisDonald TrumpHillary Clinton
- What is the role of swing states in a US presidential election?
- Swing states, those with closely contested races between Democrats and Republicans, are crucial in presidential elections. The outcome in these states often determines the overall election result; examples include Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
- When is the official result of the US presidential election announced?
- The official announcement of the election result can be delayed if there are close races or disputes. The Electoral College formally casts its votes in December, Congress counts them in January, and the inauguration occurs in late January.
- How many votes does a candidate need to win the US presidential election?
- A presidential candidate needs a majority of Electoral College votes (270 out of 538) to win, not necessarily a majority of the popular vote. The Electoral College assigns votes by state, with the winner of each state receiving all of that state's electoral votes.
- What happens if no candidate obtains a majority in the Electoral College?
- If no candidate wins a majority in the Electoral College, the House of Representatives selects the president, with each state delegation having one vote. This has never happened in US history.
- How does the US presidential election process work, from voting to counting to inauguration?
- In the US Presidential election, eligible voters cast ballots either by mail, in advance, or in person on election day. After polls close, election officials count votes, with varying procedures for paper and electronic ballots and mail-in votes.