With the presidential election only days away, it is important to understand the many factors that go into it; one of them being the concept of swing states. These states are extremely pertinent to the upcoming presidential election, especially because North Carolina is one of them.

  Also known as a “purple state,” a swing state has historically swung between both parties in past presidential elections. There are quite a few factors that go into creating a swing state, one of which being population changes within states. Rural areas tend to vote Republican, while more urban and larger cities typically vote Democrat. As people move from one area to another, they can alter the balance between the two parties.

  Another factor is the idea of moderate politics. As more people are considering themselves as independents or moderates, it is making it much more challenging to predict the outcome of the state. 

  Appalachian State University freshman and former Sanderson Spartan Jane Fusco voted in her first presidential election this past month. When asked about the importance of voting she says, “I know voting in North Carolina is important because it gives everyone a voice and the right to express our opinions. We are able to pick how we want our futures to look, rather than letting the government decide for us.”

  The saying “every vote counts” is especially true in reference to swing states. This is what makes them so important in determining the outcome of the presidential election. In former President Harry S. Truman’s 1948 election, he defeated Thomas Dewey by winning by less than one percent of the popular vote in swing states. Candidates spend over 75% of their campaign budget on visiting swing states, because they are literally what make the election.

 Although Texas has historically voted Republican, the polls are looking much closer now than in past elections. According to FiveThirtyEight polls, Former Vice President Joe Biden is polling at 47%, while President Donald Trump is at 51%. While this is not necessarily an accurate depiction of the outcome of the election, it would be interesting to see if Texas turns blue for the first time since 1976. 

  In the 2020 race, there are 14 states considered as official swing states. However, according to Voice of America, North Carolina, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, and Pennsylvania are the six most important swing states this year.

  If voting by mail, it is important to have already requested an absentee ballot and sent it in. If voting in person, vote early by November 3 at a designated voting site. A vote in North Carolina is not useless, and could help determine the outcome of the election. Your vote counts.