Understanding the Electoral College and Trump's 2020 Performance

The Electoral College is an essential but often misunderstood concept when it comes to U.S. presidential elections. Every four years, voters choose who they want to lead the country, and the winner is the candidate who secures a majority of the electoral votes. The 2020 election cycle saw a significant discussion around the intersection of the popular vote and the Electoral College, particularly with relation to Donald Trump. In this article, we will clarify some common misconceptions and provide a detailed analysis of the 2020 election results.

Electoral College Basics

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors who are chosen by each state to cast votes for president. Each state has a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress; there are 535 members of Congress (435 Representatives and 100 Senators) plus three electors for the District of Columbia.

To win the presidency, a candidate must receive a majority of the electoral votes, which is 270.

Understanding the Popular Vote and Electoral Votes

The popular vote refers to the total number of votes cast by citizens in each state. While the popular vote is significant for public opinion and media coverage, it does not directly determine who becomes president. Instead, the Electoral College elects the president based on the results of the state-level elections.

2020 Election Results

Let's break down the 2020 presidential election result, particularly focusing on Donald Trump and his performance:

Popular Vote: Joe Biden won the popular vote with approximately 81,283,028 votes (51.29%). Donald Trump received about 74,223,041 votes (46.88%). Although Trump won the popular vote, it is essential to understand that this percentage is influenced by the distribution of votes across states, which makes the Electoral College equally crucial.

Electoral Votes: Joe Biden secured 306 electoral votes, while Donald Trump received 232 electoral votes. This means that even though Trump had a significant lead in the popular vote within certain states, he did not secure enough state-level victories to win the Electoral College.

Why Did Trump Not Win with the Popular Vote?

Trump won the 2020 election in states with a higher voter turnout among his base, but he did not secure the majority of electoral votes. This outcome can be attributed to several factors:

State Distribution: Trump performed well in states with larger electoral votes, such as Texas and Florida, but these states did not have a significantly larger margin compared to those that voted for Biden. Geographic Segregation: There is a clear geographic divide in voter preferences, with rural and less urbanized areas supporting Trump, while urban centers aligned more with Biden. Third-Party Voting: Some voters supported third-party candidates, which diluted the percentage of votes Trump needed to secure in key states.

The "Big Lie" Myth

It is important to address the so-called "big lie" surrounding the 2020 election results. Despite the widespread verification and multiple investigations, no evidence has been found to support the claim that the election was fraudulent. Repeating baseless conspiracy theories not only misleads the public but also undermines the fundamental principles of democratic elections.

If you truly believe the "big lie," it is crucial to educate yourself with factual information and consider the consequences of misinformation on public trust and societal unity.

Conclusion

Understanding the Electoral College system is crucial for comprehending how presidents are elected in the U.S. While Trump did not win the popular vote in 2020, he did secure a substantial number of electoral votes. Misconceptions about the Electoral College and the election results contribute to political division and cynicism. It is essential for informed citizens to engage with accurate, verifiable information to maintain a healthy and functional democracy.