Analyzing the Impact of Unprecedented Turnout in the 2020 Presidential Election

Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off again in 2024.

In a historic and closely watched event, the United States has witnessed one of the most consequential elections in its modern history. With record-breaking voter turnout and a deeply polarized electorate, the 2020 presidential election has left an indelible mark on the nation's political landscape.

From the outset, the campaign was marked by intense scrutiny and fervent debate, with incumbent President Donald Trump seeking re-election against Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden. Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, racial unrest, and economic uncertainty, the stakes were exceptionally high, galvanizing voters on both sides of the political spectrum.

The election, held on November 3rd, saw a surge in early and mail-in voting, driven in part by concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of Americans cast their ballots well before Election Day, contributing to a historic turnout that surpassed previous records.

According to the U.S. Elections Project, more than 160 million Americans voted in the 2020 election, representing the highest participation rate in over a century.

Joe Biden gives a campaign speech in 2020.

The battleground states played a pivotal role in determining the outcome, as candidates vied for electoral votes in closely contested regions.

States such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia emerged as crucial battlegrounds, with razor-thin margins separating the candidates from taking decisive control over the results.

As the nation awaited the results, tension and uncertainty gripped the country. Both candidates expressed confidence in their chances of victory, while legal challenges and recounts loomed on the horizon.

In the end, it was Joe Biden who emerged victorious, securing the presidency with a decisive victory in the Electoral College. The former vice president's message of unity and healing resonated with voters, particularly in key swing states, as he pledged to tackle the pressing challenges facing the nation.

President-elect Biden's victory marked a historic moment, as he became the oldest person ever elected to the presidency and the first to defeat an incumbent in over three decades. In his victory speech, delivered in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, Biden struck a conciliatory tone, emphasizing the need for national unity and cooperation.

Meanwhile, President Trump refused to concede, alleging widespread voter fraud and launching a series of legal challenges in key battleground states. Despite his efforts, the Trump campaign's legal challenges largely failed to gain traction, as courts dismissed many of the lawsuits for lack of evidence.

The 46th President Joe Biden

In the weeks following the election, the transition of power remained a topic of intense scrutiny and debate. President Trump's refusal to concede and his administration's delay in cooperating with the transition process raised concerns about the orderly transfer of power.

Ultimately, on January 20th, 2021, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.

The 2020 presidential election will undoubtedly be remembered as a watershed moment in American politics, characterized by unprecedented turnout and fierce partisan divisions. As the nation looks ahead to this year's election, the lessons learned from the historic 2020 election will shape the course of American democracy for years to come.

By: Steven Sandage