United States presidential election, 2020

United States presidential election, 2020
Election name	2020 United States presidential election
Country	United States
Type	presidential
Previous election	2016 United States presidential election
Previous year	2016
Next election	2024 United States presidential election
Next year	2024
Election date	November 3, 2020
Turnout	66.8%
Nominee1	Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Party1	Democratic Party (United States)
Running mate1	Kamala D. Harris
Home state1	Delaware
Electoral vote1	306
Popular vote1	81,283,098
Percentage1	51.3%
Nominee2	Donald J. Trump
Party2	Republican Party (United States)
Running mate2	Michael R. Pence
Home state2	Florida
Electoral vote2	232
Popular vote2	74,223,975
Percentage2	46.8%

United States presidential election, 2020 The 2020 presidential election was held on November 3, 2020, and featured an incumbent president seeking reelection against a former vice president. The contest occurred amid the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread social and political mobilization, drawing historic voter turnout and intense legal and institutional scrutiny. The result determined the composition of the Electoral College and the next presidential administration.

Background and Campaign

The campaign unfolded against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of the 2016 United States presidential election, and national debates following protests related to the Murder of George Floyd and policing reforms advocated after incidents such as the Killing of Breonna Taylor. President Donald Trump pursued a reelection strategy tied to the record of his administration on trade agreements including the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, judicial appointments to the Supreme Court of the United States, and deregulation overseen by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency. Former Vice President Joe Biden ran on a platform emphasizing recovery from the pandemic, expansion of the Affordable Care Act, and alliances with institutions like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and partners involved in the Paris Agreement debates.

Primary Elections and Nominations

The Democratic primaries involved a crowded field including senators such as Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and governors including Andrew Cuomo and Gavin Newsom in earlier speculation, while business figures such as Michael Bloomberg entered late. State contests such as the Iowa Democratic caucuses, 2020 and the New Hampshire Democratic primary, 2020 influenced momentum, with debates organized by the Democratic National Committee and endorsements from political organizations including the Laborers' International Union of North America. The Republican Party largely coalesced around the incumbent at the Republican National Convention, 2020, with primary challenges from figures like Bill Weld and Joe Walsh limited in scope.

General Election Campaign and Issues

Key issues included the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic measures including stimulus negotiations involving the United States Congress, healthcare debates centered on the Affordable Care Act, and racial justice reforms prompted by advocacy groups and demonstrations related to the Black Lives Matter movement. Foreign policy discussions invoked relationships with countries such as China, Russia, and institutions like the World Health Organization, while domestic concerns referenced infrastructure proposals and immigration policies tied to agencies including the Department of Homeland Security. Campaigns employed digital outreach across platforms influenced by companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and advertising purchased through media conglomerates like The Walt Disney Company and Comcast.

Voting Process and Administration

States administered voting under rules framed by constitutions and statutes of jurisdictions such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan, with secretaries of state like Brad Raffensperger and Jocelyn Benson overseeing procedures. The pandemic led to expanded mail-in voting systems using postal services managed by the United States Postal Service and ballot drop boxes deployed in locales including Los Angeles County and Maricopa County. Election administration involved bipartisan boards such as county election boards, and federal oversight by institutions like the United States Department of Justice addressing Voting Rights Act questions and civil rights enforcement.

Election Results and Electoral Vote

Vote tabulation produced a popular vote plurality for Joe Biden with majorities in states including California, New York, and Illinois, while Donald Trump won states such as Texas and Florida. Battleground states decided the Electoral College, with pivotal results in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Georgia. The final Electoral College tally was 306 electoral votes for Biden and 232 for Trump, culminating in certification procedures executed by state officials and gubernatorial actions in states like Nevada and North Carolina.

Legal Challenges and Post-Election Disputes

Following the election, numerous lawsuits were filed in state and federal courts by parties and organizations including campaign committees and legal teams with lawyers such as Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. Cases reached appellate courts and the Supreme Court of the United States, addressing claims related to ballot handling in jurisdictions like Maricopa County and Wayne County. Many suits were dismissed for lack of evidence or standing, and post-election audits and recounts occurred in states including Georgia and Wisconsin overseen by secretaries of state and bipartisan officials.

Transition and Inauguration

The transition between administrations involved coordination with the General Services Administration and national security briefings from entities such as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Defense. President-elect Biden announced nominations for cabinet-level positions including candidates for the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris assumed roles in transition planning. The inauguration on January 20, 2021, took place under security measures involving the United States Capitol Police, the National Guard, and adjustments reflecting public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Category:United States presidential elections