Election Updates: The Toss Up of the Century
As millions of people sit at their computers, constantly reloading the election results, and looking for the slightest change in states voting numbers, much of our country is in panic, awaiting results that could alter the shape of our American democracy for the rest of our lives. Right now, the election numbers are closer than they have been in years and state percentages are fluctuating at insane rates. As of now, Biden is slightly leading with 248 electoral college votes, having won Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Wisconsin and even Arizona, which has not swung blue since the 1996 election. Trump is not far behind with 213 electoral votes, taking all of the typically right leaning states, as well as some essential swing states like Texas, Florida, and Ohio. While the majority of the states’ votes are finalized, the election is far from predictable and the fate of our democracy is riding on just a few states.
Deciding States
Nevada: Nevada is bending towards blue with a 0.6% lead on Biden's part, but this number is not as assuring for Biden supporters as others’ statistics are because Nevada only has, what they estimate to be, 67% of their votes counted. With less than an eight thousand vote lead, this state could turn red easily, determining the fate of American politics for the next 4 years.
Michigan: Despite Michigan's slight inclination towards Trump since polls began flushing in, Michigan has recently turned blue, with a 0.7% lead on Bidens part. Michigan is acting as the swing state democrats have been yearning for, after losing both Texas and Florida.
Pennsylvania: Since the polls opened, both sides have been strongly hoping for Pennsylvania's vote, a major swing state with 20 electoral votes. While Trump has yet to officially win Pennsylvania, he is up by 9.2%, the largest difference in votes of all of the undecided states remaining. Despite this number being disappointing for Biden supporters, and consequently exciting for Trump supporters, Pennsylvania is still waiting on 36% of their votes, so nothing is set in stone quite yet.
Georgia: Georgia, a traditionally red state, is coming in very close with the votes, with Trump leading by a scarce 2.2%. 94% of the states projected ballots have been accounted for, but, with this election specifically, 6% of votes could be a game changer. Right now though, Trump may have Georgia’s 16 electoral college votes in the bag.
North Carolina: Trump has the upperhand as of now in North Carolina and is suspected to win this state. Same as all other states though, the polls are close and Biden is behind a mere 2,000 votes.
Trump currently holds 213 electoral college votes and needs 57 more votes to serve his second term as president of the United States of America. Despite his widespread support in many states, winning North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Georgia will not be enough for him to reach the lucky number, 270. He would need at least one more currently democratic-leaning state to switch parties to pull out a win and serve his second term as the President of the United States.
The stress of the US citizen is higher than ever. Between the constantly rising COVID-19 cases and the extremely polarized political climate, our country is latching to its last bits of hope. As votes continue to roll in over these next few hours, or maybe days, or maybe even weeks, we must appreciate the opportunity we have as Americans to vote. Furthermore, we must find a way to carry on with our lives, as this election is no longer in our hands.
By Ruby Kaufman