Table of Contents:
The American electoral system
Presidential elections in the United States are a complex event involving millions of voters and a system of indirect universal suffrage. Voters do not vote directly for the presidential candidate, but for a group of great voters chosen by the parties. This system, known as the Electoral College, is comprised of 538 large voters, and to win, a candidate must obtain at least 270
electoral votes.
The Electoral College and the popular vote
The Electoral College was established to balance the electoral weight between the states, preventing the most populous ones from dominating the electoral process. However, this system has led to situations in which a candidate can win the presidency without having a majority of popular votes. It happened in 2000 and 2016, when George W. Bush and Donald Trump won despite receiving fewer votes than their opponents. This has raised debates about the legitimacy of the system and the need
for reforms.
Early voting and elections in real time
In the United States, early voting has become increasingly popular, especially during the pandemic. Voters can vote by mail or in person before Election Day, making it easier to participate. In 2020, around 43% of voters voted early. The closing of polls varies by state, due to different time zones. This makes it difficult to predict when the winner will be declared, as counting the votes can take time, especially in the case of tight margins
.
The swing states and their impact
Swing states, or States in the balance, are crucial to the outcome of the elections. These states can fluctuate between the two main parties, Democratic and Republican, and their vote can determine the final result. For the current elections, states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin are particularly important for Democrats, while Trump is ahead in states like North Carolina and Georgia. The electoral strategy therefore focuses on these key states, making election night a moment of great tension and expectation.
