Elections in the USA: why are American states divided into “blue” and “red”, what does this mean

US elections: why American states are divided into “blue” and “red”, what does this mean Dmitry Usik

On November 5, 2024, the US will hold presidential elections. The two main contenders for victory are Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

In the context of voting in the US, you can often hear the division into so-called “blue” or “red” states. Moreover, there are also “shaky” states, or swing states. What does this mean and what impact does it have on the US elections, Channel 24 broadcasts.

“Blue” and “red” states in elections

So, in the USA there is a traditional division into states by their political sympathies.

“Blue” states are favorable to the Democratic Party and usually vote for their representatives in elections. These include California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Vermont. They “got” their color because of the official color of the Democrats.

In turn, “red” states usually vote for the Republican Party. Red is the color of the Republicans, which is why Trump's MAGA hats are red.

But there are also states that have not yet decided on their electoral preferences and regularly change their position, voting alternately for the Democrats and the Republicans. These are the “swing states.” In 2024, there are 7 of them – Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona.

That is, in fact, the fate of the elections is decided in these 7 states. Therefore, candidates are especially trying to persuade voters from swing states to their side. According to the latest poll, Harris has a slight advantage in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, but Trump is leading in North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona. If this poll is true, Harris will win because these states have more elections. Pennsylvania has the most, with 19, but North Carolina, with 16 voters, is probably more pro-Trump. So the intrigue will remain until the very end.