Every four years, we vote for our new President, and some wonder if our votes actually matter. Spoiler alert: they do! Every registered voter has a voice in the general election. But some states will have a little extra clout at the polls this year.
Can you believe that California, one of the most populous and bustling states, ranks a surprising #42 in political influence? Since California almost always votes Democrat, the influence of individual voters in the state is not as powerful.
A recent study by WalletHub looked at historical data to determine which states do not predictably vote Republican or Democrat consistently. People in swing states, where the races are nail-biters, hold the most power with their votes. They can really sway the outcome!
While participating in the election is our civic duty, it’s clear that votes in battleground states carry more weight. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of those states, you might just hold the fate of the election in your hands. As for the other states? Well, let’s just say we have a pretty good idea of how things are going to shake out there!
Most: Nevada
Nevada’s electorate is tough to predict—diverse, working-class, and always on the move. Party registrations are split almost evenly among Democrats, Republicans, and independents, giving Nevada’s voters a powerful voice in national elections.
With six key electoral votes, Nevada could easily sway a tight race. Democratic and Republican strategists are closely watching this battleground, knowing it could be the tipping point for either candidate. So, anyone claiming to know where Nevada is leaning is likely just guessing—its voters hold the power to surprise us all.
Most: North Carolina
It’s no secret North Carolina is a prime stop for candidates this election season. As we get closer to Election Day, presidential hopefuls have been rallying across the state.
North Carolinians hold serious influence in this race. The flood of ads and candidate visits shows just how much is riding on the Tar Heel State, especially with its large rural voter base and the push to boost turnout as early voting ramps up.
Most: Georgia
With about seven million registered voters, Georgia is buzzing with activity as over 3 million people have already cast their ballots, setting new early voting records daily.
For any candidate, winning Georgia is a must. The big question now is whether the Democratic-leaning suburbs of Atlanta will show up in droves or if the more conservative small towns and rural areas will dominate.
Most: Arizona
Arizona has a long history of voting Republican in presidential elections until four years ago when it narrowly supported President Joe Biden. Now, the state’s 11 electoral votes are up for grabs, and immigration is a hot topic in the 2024 race, with candidates trading barbs over the U.S.-Mexico border situation. As a border state, Arizona plays a key role in the national conversation about immigration policy.
With polls showing Trump slightly ahead, some say the contest between Kamala Harris and Trump could be a “coin toss.”
Most: Wisconsin
Who would have thought that a state famous for its dairy farms and beer could become a battleground? Trump and Harris are seriously neck and neck in Wisconsin. With just ten electoral votes at stake, polls show a razor-thin race, with Harris leading by only 0.2 points. Wisconsin’s presidential elections have often been decided by fewer than 20,000 votes—less than 1%!
Wisconsin’s mix of city and rural voters reflects America’s political split. Issues like the economy drive voter turnout, especially among young people. In close races like this, turnout can change everything!
Least: Wyoming
Wyoming usually leans Republican, and it gave former President Donald Trump his biggest win in the 2020 election. Now, he’s aiming to repeat that success against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for the state’s three electoral votes.
Since 1952, Wyoming has backed the Grand Old Party candidate in every presidential election except for Lyndon Johnson in 1964. As of October 2024, there are 236,290 registered voters here—about 80% are Republicans, 11% are Democrats, and 8% are unaffiliated. In a state that ranks among those with the least powerful voters, it’s no surprise who holds the majority!
Least: West Virginia
West Virginia has one of the country’s lowest voter turnout rates, and many wonder if this election will break the trend. But with the state ranking near the bottom for voter influence, it’s not looking likely.
According to experts, West Virginians are known for their strong faith, family values, and commitment to freedom. With five electoral votes but a heavily one-sided voting pattern and low population density, West Virginia’s impact on the overall election remains limited.
Least: District of Columbia
Did you know that since 1964, Washington, D.C., has voted Democratic every single time? That’s right—D.C. has backed the Democratic presidential candidate by huge margins, often over 90%. This strong Democratic streak reflects its urban makeup, a large number of public sector workers, and solid support for Democratic policies. In 2020, Biden took 92% of the vote, while Trump managed just 5%.
And with seemingly no representation in the House or Senate, D.C. often feels like a place where it’s easy to vote, but it still doesn’t really count.
Least: Oklahoma
The Sooner State is about as solidly Republican as it gets. Since its first election in 1908, when it had seven electoral votes (more than any state outside the original 13 colonies except Maine), it’s stayed reliably red. In 2020, Donald Trump won here with 65% over Biden’s 32%, marking the fifth election in a row Republicans took by over 30%.
Still, Oklahoma’s voting system faces issues. Low turnout, extreme candidates, and the exclusion of voters from primaries all hint that reform could be needed.
Least: North Dakota
North Dakota has three electoral votes, but its small population means each vote carries less weight. With few competitive elections, the influence of each voter is even more limited.
This state has a strong Republican streak, having voted GOP in 27 out of 33 presidential elections, including all since 1968. Just like in Oklahoma in 2020, Trump easily beat Biden, taking 65% of the vote compared to Biden’s 32%. North Dakota is definitely a safe bet for Republicans!
Source: WalletHub
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