key term - 2020 Presidential Elections

Definition

The 2020 Presidential Elections were a significant political event in the United States where voters elected Joe Biden as the 46th president, defeating the incumbent, Donald Trump. This election was marked by high voter turnout and unprecedented use of mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The elections also highlighted the role of third-party candidates who, while not winning significant electoral votes, influenced the political discourse and voter behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 2020 election saw record voter turnout, with over 159 million Americans casting their ballots, resulting in a participation rate of about 66.7% of the eligible voting population.
2. Mail-in voting became crucial due to the pandemic, with many states expanding access to absentee ballots to ensure public safety during the election.
3. Third-party candidates like Jo Jorgensen from the Libertarian Party and Howie Hawkins from the Green Party participated, though they did not win any electoral votes.
4. Biden won with 306 electoral votes compared to Trump's 232, marking a clear victory in the Electoral College despite a contentious atmosphere surrounding the results.
5. The 2020 election was one of the most polarized in recent history, fueled by deep divides in public opinion on issues such as healthcare, climate change, and racial justice.

Review Questions

• How did third-party candidates impact voter behavior in the 2020 Presidential Elections?
  • Third-party candidates in the 2020 Presidential Elections played a notable role in shaping voter behavior by highlighting specific issues that resonated with certain segments of the electorate. For instance, candidates like Jo Jorgensen from the Libertarian Party attracted voters who were disillusioned with the major parties, particularly regarding issues such as government overreach and personal freedoms. While they did not win any electoral votes, their presence influenced discussions and may have swayed some votes away from the main candidates.
• What were the primary factors contributing to the record voter turnout in the 2020 elections?
  • The primary factors contributing to record voter turnout in the 2020 elections included heightened political engagement among citizens due to polarizing issues like COVID-19 response, racial justice movements, and healthcare. The pandemic led to widespread changes in voting methods, such as expanded mail-in voting and early voting options, which made it more accessible for people to participate. Additionally, strong grassroots movements mobilized voters and emphasized the importance of making their voices heard during a critical election.
• Evaluate how the role of swing states affected the strategy of candidates during the 2020 Presidential Elections.
  • In the 2020 Presidential Elections, swing states played a crucial role in shaping candidate strategies because they could realistically be won by either major party. Candidates focused heavily on these states—like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan—tailoring their messages and campaign efforts to appeal to undecided voters. Both Biden and Trump invested time and resources into rallying support in these areas, understanding that victories here could tip the balance in the Electoral College. This strategic focus highlighted how important localized issues and voter sentiment were for overall success in a national election.

Related terms

Swing States: States where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters, making them critical for determining the outcome of an election.

Electoral College:

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the president and vice president of the United States.

Third-Party Candidates: Candidates who are not affiliated with the two major parties (Democratic and Republican) and often bring attention to specific issues that may be overlooked in mainstream campaigns.