The US Elections 2020

The entire world is watching. It's a neck-to-neck battle between the incumbent President Trump and Joe Biden. This is the current electoral college map, Biden, with 238 votes, and Trump is trailing behind at 213 votes. Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin are all leaning towards Biden as they continue to count the mail-in votes. Nevada has six (6) electoral votes, while Michigan and Wisconsin have sixteen (16) and ten (10) electoral votes. The remaining states that are leaning towards Trump are Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina. These three states have 20, 16, and 15 electoral votes, respectively.

Let's do simple math, shall we?

Assuming that NV, MI, and WI will vote for Biden, he will get a total of 270 votes. Trump, on the other hand, will get a total of 264 electoral votes. Alaska is also a Republican state, but they only contribute three (3) electoral votes. In total, Trump will get a total of 267 electoral votes. However, if you add 270 and 267, it only adds up to 537. The total electoral votes for this year is 538. Either way, if you add 1 to either of the two, Biden will still secure his slot at the Oval Office, narrowly defeating Trump.

FAQs:

1) Bakit ka man naga care sa election ng America? Hindi ka gud American!

I know, I'm not American, but the whole world shouldn't be apathetic to begin with. Whether we like it or not, the USA is the most influential country in the world (I didn't use powerful as an adjective since it's vague). They influence the economic treaties around the world, bilateral policies, international policies, security, and a whole lot more. And oh, it's one of our BFFs. That's what BFFs are for, right? We care for each other.

2) Ano man yang electoral college uy? Magkano man tuition jan? So, wala pala pulos ang popular vote?

The US is the only country in the world that picks its president using something called the Electoral College. It's made up of delegates from each US state. When Americans vote for president, what they're actually voting for, is WHO their state will vote for. This is why, every so often, someone wins the presidency WITHOUT winning the popular vote (Hello Bush-Gore and Trump-Clinton). This system has been existing since the early 1800s.

So, why does the US still use this system, and who benefits from it?

Well, I suggest to google it 'coz it's a long story to tell. Next question please!

3) Bakit may swing states? Bakit trending man yan sila uy?

The US is divided into 50 states. Some states are considered as a Democrat State (usually west and east coast), while the mid-west aka red-necks are considered as the hardcore Republican States. However, there are states wherein their vote could swing to one party or another in nearly every election. Swing states have changed over time, thanks to shifting demographics and political views. States like these where presidential candidates spend most of their time campaigning. It also means these states have way more influence over the election.